Energy consultancy is a key part of every period renovation project.
THE PROJECT
Our energy consultants team work for commercial clients, public companies and charitable organisations, as well as residential property owners.
Our clients owned a country estate and wanted advice on the best way to reduce the running costs and improve the sustainability of their property. The estate was made up of a variety of buildings, including a very large house (and bed & breakfast) and an associated farming estate.
THE CHALLENGE
Our brief was to review the estate from an energy efficiency perspective, with a view to its future development priorities.
THE SOLUTION
CLPM’s sustainability expert carried out a full review of the site – looking at the fabric of the buildings and the heating systems used.
It was proposed that the main house’s internal wall and roof insulation should be improved as soon as possible, as this was a large reason for the heat loss. In addition it was suggested that our clients should install double and secondary glazing to the windows. The original shutters were highlighted as a valuable way of conserving heat. In addition, the possibility of using wood burning stoves rather than open fires was suggested.
The property used oil for heating. Therefore oil, as well as electricity and water consumption was monitored using smart meters. In addition tests were carried out for leaks on pipes, and all controls and sensors were checked to get the most accurate analysis for where savings could be made.
THE RESULT
Recommendations were made for the estate to switch from oil to a new biomass boiler system. The wood could be grown and managed on the estate, and it was proposed that better controls and zoning for the heating system should be introduced through the house in general. Mechanical Heat Recovery Systems were highlighted as an area to investigate further. Solar hot water heating was suggested for the swimming pool and a solar PV panel installation proposed so that the estate could generate its own electricity.
We estimated that the proposals made would equal a net annual saving of £35,000 on the estate’s energy bills.
CLPM Services used by our client:-
Sustainability review and energy audit.
It always makes sense to get independent advice from a sustainability consultancy like CLPM before you invest in a new heating system, or make renovations to your period property. That way you’ll make the most informed decisions and make the greatest savings on your running costs.