Schools Upgrade – London
Most recently, we were part of the team developing an administration block and undercroft within the school, a project that included all mechanical and electrical services. We had a very tight brief to design and get contractors to change over boilers and install a new innovative lighting scheme. The development included a green wall, rainwater harvesting and LED lighting throughout. We also developed the BREEAM pre assessment and energy modelling. The new lighting scheme was required for an undercroft that linked one part of the school to another. The client wanted something fun and creative for this space, which could otherwise have become dark and oppressive. So the challenge was to develop a scheme that would not only light a dark utility space, but also inspire its users: staff, school children and parents. Budget and time constraints added to the pressure of getting the right solution installed and tested within a two week period over the Easter holidays, so it would have been easy to just use a standard lighting design. Innovation was key to this project, both in terms of the layout and design. A cost-effective design for the undercroft was proposed, which used timber strips that created angles. This provided the perfect opportunity for Cityzen to design a randomised lighting pattern. The lighting scheme utilises LED strips in a broken pattern within aluminium channels between wooden slats, together with colour change LED strips at the top of each column. The scheme makes use of sensors and controls to ensure the system only runs when required, lowering overall running costs. The colour change is controllable via a phone app and wall-mounted controllers, allowing school staff to control the atmosphere themselves as required. On another occasion, we were asked to design and oversee the installation of a large PV array, to help the school cut their base load running costs and their carbon emissions. This has helped the school with their commitment to reduce their impact on the environment and gives them a practical and educational discussion piece, which will leave a lasting impression on the children. Initially, we were approached to help with a new substation connection, mains upgrade and new metering. This was required due to the gradual expansion of one of the schools and old electrical services tripping. We designed, procured and oversaw the works. Schools require all their works to be done out of hours and in school holidays, therefore they have to be planned and carried out within strict timeframes as well as budgets. The works were performed over a three week Christmas break period, and included a very tight schedule of ground works, electrical works and redecoration to ensure the school would be open for the first day of term.
Low Carbon Strategy – Southern England
We captured data about the carbon efficiency of Southern Co-op buildings to help the retailer make informed decisions about its building portfolio. They are bound by the government’s CRC scheme to monitor and report its carbon and we are committed to helping them reduce their energy usage. Changes to the thermal performance of their buildings, lighting, heating, cooling and refrigeration can all make a difference to the way the buildings use energy and produce carbon. The remit of this project meant site surveys of 200 stores and funeral care buildings in a two-year period. An exciting challenge that we completed, giving us an insight into their building stock and enabling us to collate data from each site and map out a strategy for them. We used our survey data to produce benchmark information, services reports, capital expenditure information and renewables feasibility. This gave them informed choices about how each building within their portfolio is performing, and what the potential is for renovation or retrofit.