Burton Rugby Club

  • Client: Burton Rugby Club
  • Location: Burton-on-Trent, UK
  • Value: £4500k
  • Works: Full design and build mechanical package including ground source heat pump
  • Duration: 6 months

Sustainability Score: Burton Rugby Club’s Renewable Energy Revolution

A&S Mechanical Engineering was commissioned to provide a full mechanical design and build package for Burton Rugby Club. The project’s scope extended to exploring renewable energy options, aiming to optimise running costs while capitalising on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

A collaborative effort between our design team and the client, which led to the selection of ground-source heat pumps as the most cost-effective solution. This decision promised a return on investment, enabling the rugby club to profit from the RHI scheme for several years.

Challenges:

  1. Sustainable Energy Integration: Identifying and implementing an eco-friendly energy source while achieving optimal running costs was a primary challenge.
  2. Renewable Feasibility: Assessing the feasibility of different renewable options to determine which one best suited the rugby club’s needs and financial goals.
  3. Design and Implementation: Designing and installing a comprehensive mechanical system that included ground source heat pumps, a central plant room, underfloor heating, hot water supply, and mechanical ventilation demanded precision and expertise.

Solution:

A&S Mechanical Engineering provided a tailored solution, addressing these challenges systematically:

  1. Ground Source Heat Pumps: Ground source heat pumps were selected as the most efficient and cost-effective renewable energy source, taking advantage of the RHI scheme.
  2. Borehole Installation: The installation involved 12 vertical boreholes, each 120 meters deep, to harness the earth’s stable temperature for the heat pump.
  3. Centralised Plant Room: A central plant room was established, housing a heat pump, thermal store, plate heat exchanger, sterilisation hot water storage cylinder, and pumps.
  4. Heating and Hot Water: The central plant room facilitated the distribution of hot water and heating. Seven underfloor heating manifolds covered 949 square meters, ensuring comfortable conditions. Instantaneous hot water to 42 degrees Celsius was provided during peak shower times to six changing room shower blocks, a kitchen, and male and female toilets.
  5. Sterilisation Cylinder: The sterilisation cylinder in the plant room raised the hot water system’s internal temperature to 65 degrees Celsius during peak demand from the showers.
  6. Air Handling Unit: A central air handling unit was installed in the main bar/function area to provide heat-recovered fresh air on a trickle. It was connected to a CO2 monitor, boosting operation when CO2 levels increased. In-line fans with barrel-type grilles were installed in the toilets and changing rooms to facilitate stale air extraction.

Results:

The project’s conclusion delivered several key outcomes:

  • Renewable Energy Integration: Ground source heat pumps, coupled with the RHI scheme, reduced the rugby club’s carbon footprint while achieving significant cost savings.
  • Efficiency and Comfort: The mechanical system ensured a comfortable environment with efficient heating, hot water supply, and air quality management.
  • Cost-Effective Investment: The installation not only enhanced sustainability but promised a return on investment through the RHI scheme, with a payback period of 14 years, allowing the club to profit for six years.

A&S Mechanical Engineering’s meticulous design and implementation of renewable energy systems transformed the Burton Rugby Club into an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and comfortable facility. This case study exemplifies our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient solutions through collaboration and expertise.