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Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, part of Star Academies in Bradford, operated an ageing gas-fired heating infrastructure that was no longer aligned with the Trust’s sustainability ambitions. The existing boilers were responsible for both space heating and domestic hot water, contributing to the school’s carbon footprint and exposing it to the long-term risks of rising energy costs and increasing regulatory pressure around fossil fuel use.
The school required a comprehensive, future-proof solution that would reduce carbon emissions, improve the internal environment for pupils and staff, and position the estate for long-term energy efficiency – all without disrupting the daily operation of a busy primary school.
Approach
Working in partnership with Salix and supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, BTG Eddisons managed the delivery of a multi-strand decarbonisation programme. The scope encompassed the full removal of the gas boiler plant and its replacement with modern, low-carbon infrastructure, integrating renewable energy generation and intelligent building controls.
Air source heat pumps
The existing gas-fired boilers were removed and replaced with high-efficiency air source heat pumps (ASHPs). This transition eliminated the school’s direct dependence on fossil fuels for heating and hot water, delivering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and improving the long-term sustainability of the estate.
Radiator upgrades
To ensure the ASHP system operated at peak efficiency, many of the radiators throughout the building were replaced with modern, larger-surface emitters designed for low-temperature operation. This upgrade improved thermal comfort in classrooms and ensured the upgraded heating system delivered consistent, reliable warmth across the school.
50 kWp solar PV system
A 50 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system was installed to generate clean, renewable electricity on site. Panels were mounted on the building’s roof with associated inverters located securely within the building. The system reduces the school’s reliance on grid electricity, supports long-term energy cost savings and contributes directly to the Trust’s net zero ambitions.
Building management system upgrade
A full Building Management System (BMS) upgrade was completed to give the school advanced control and monitoring capability across its heating and energy infrastructure. The new system enables more efficient scheduling, improved zone-by-zone temperature optimisation, enhanced energy reporting and greater responsiveness to seasonal and occupancy changes. The BMS plays a central role in maximising the performance of both the ASHP and solar installations.
“Decarbonisation projects of this scale require careful coordination across design, contracting and funding. We are pleased to have delivered a scheme that meets the Trust’s sustainability goals, improves the learning environment and stays within budget, all while the school remained fully open.”
Nazar Soofi, Head of Sustainability and Decarbonisation
Results
All works, including boiler removal, ASHP installation, radiator replacement, solar PV integration and BMS upgrade, were carried out within a live, fully operational school environment. BTG Eddisons coordinated a phased programme that prioritised safeguarding and minimised disruption to teaching and learning throughout.
Clear communication with school leadership, Star Academies and all delivery partners ensured that every stage of the programme was understood and managed effectively. The full scope was completed on time and on budget.
The success of this project reflects the strength of the partnership between all parties involved:
- Geo Energy Design – GED (Design Team) – Led system design, modelling and technical engineering to ensure the ASHP, solar PV and BMS elements were fully integrated and future-proof.
- Alternative Heat (Contractor) – Delivered the installation and on-site works, coordinating mechanical, electrical, and control upgrades to the required quality and performance standards.
- Salix – Provided financial support and programme oversight in line with public-sector decarbonisation objectives.
The completed programme has delivered measurable benefits for Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy and Star Academies:
| Outcome | Detail |
| Carbon reduction | Gas heating removed; transitioned fully to Air Source Heat Pumps |
| Renewable generation | 50 kWp solar PV system installed, reducing grid dependency |
| Improved comfort | New radiators optimised for low-temperature ASHP operation |
| Operational efficiency | Full BMS upgrade enabling smarter scheduling and energy oversight |
| Programme delivery | Completed on time and on budget within a live school environment |
Why choose BTG Eddisons Education?
BTG Eddisons Education brings together specialist property expertise, project management capability, and a deep understanding of the education sector to support schools and trusts through complex capital programmes. Our team of over 60 RICS-certified surveyors and consultants operates nationally, combining local knowledge with the resources of a full-service property consultancy.
Our track record includes securing over £200 million in funding for our clients and delivering projects on time and on budget within live school environments. We understand the pressures facing school business managers, estates leaders and MAT executives, and we work as a trusted partner throughout every stage of your project.
Talk to us about your decarbonisation project
Whether you are looking to reduce your school’s carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, or plan a long-term sustainability programme, we are here to help. Contact us using the form below to arrange a free consultation with a member of our team.
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