A Fleetsolve-supported CHP project in Northern Ireland has received a major industry award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Erne Campus, part of South West College in Enniskillen won UK Project of the Year and also the national Public Sector Project Prize, at the RICS’ annual awards ceremony in London. The awards celebrate built projects that have a significant positive impact on the communities they serve.

Erne campus is an exemplar of how to successfully implement cost-effective nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Buildings) standards via Passive House principles. Fleetsolve was involved at the initial planning stage, to advise on the most efficient renewable energy solution compatible with the Passive House design.

100% renewable Micro-CHP

To meet the campus’ heating and hot water demands, Fleetsolve designed, manufactured and installed a micro-CHP unit powered by biofuel. The biofuel is 100% renewable and is made from the by-products of local agricultural processes, that would have otherwise gone to waste. The fuel is locally sourced and produced, so it has a very low transportation footprint.

The micro-CHP unit is also highly efficient, as it generates both electricity and heat from the same source of power. It is producing 80% of the campus space heating demand, as well as 100% of the domestic hot water. Air to water heat pump technology provides the remaining 20% of the space heating demand. Both these systems use a mix of underfloor heating sections and responsive low water content radiators as the heat emitters.

Learn more about South West College’s award win on the BBC News website. If you are planning a similar project and would like advice on renewable energy solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch on 0151 353 2870 or contact@fleestolve.com.