M-Four were appointed to conduct several feasibility studies for heating system replacements and energy efficiency improvements across four of
Bield Housing Association’s (HA’s) sites.
Objective
The primary considerations on this contract were energy demand reduction and introducing combinations of low carbon heating technologies. This would enable on-site electricity generation and storage for the properties in the project. Therefore, this feasibility program set out to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants across Scotland. M-Four also assisted Bield HA in business development and funding applications.
Bield Housing Association
Bield HA are a not for profit Scottish Charity, as well as a Registered Social Landlord. For over 30 years, Bield HA have been providing housing for Scottish residents, prioritising the delivery of sustainable living environments. Bield HA deliver services to older people across 5,400 properties in Scotland. Their experienced, dedicated, and passionate staff uphold their tenants’ right to live independently with freedom to make their own choices. The client’s building stock consist of single buildings with multiple dwellings, communal areas, and on-site support staff.
Through M-Four’s feasibility studies, Bield HA’s priority was to develop a pathway to reduce running costs for their tenants. M-Four undertook these feasibility studies across four of Bield HA’s sites: West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, and Argyll & Bute. Each site was unique, with differing heating systems and fuel sources being used. As a result, M-Four had to consider ways to reduce running costs and carbon emissions suited to each building.
West Lothian
At Bield HA’s West Lothian site, water heating was supplied by communal gas boilers, space heating inside the dwellings and electric storage heaters supplying the communal areas. These energy methods meant that heating costs were high, and consequently, many residents were not using their heating efficiently due to concerns over receiving high bills.
Through M-Four’s feasibility studies, we deduced that the site had a very large south facing roof with huge potential for Solar PV that would provide a communal heating solution to supply water, dwelling, and communal areas, and provide energy storage and substantially reduce carbon emissions.
Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, gas boilers supplied heating and hot water for the retirement accommodation. The building was well-insulated, therefore, heating costs were relatively low.
M-Four’s feasibility studies took a focus on moving off away from gas boilers which were a low-cost fuel for the residents, while still achieving running cost savings to tenants and carbon emissions reduction. To achieve this, alternative energy sources for the communal heating were a focus of the study.
Fife
The site in Fife connected to the Dunfermline District Heating Scheme which provides space and water heating to the building. In order to power the Heat Network, waste gases from the breakdown of food and garden waste from a local processing centre are used. Combined Heat and Power boilers are also fuelled by this source to produce heat and electricity for the network.
District Heating Networks are a leading pathway to reaching net zero. With this in mind, M-Four focussed our feasibility study around reducing energy demand through district heating. This included potential design opportunities to increase efficiency of distribution of heat within the building, the beneficial impact of Heat Interface Units and Heat Meters, and on-site electrical generation and storage.
Argyll & Bute
The Argyll & Bute site was fully electric, with dwellings and communal areas which were heated by aged electric storage heaters. This site had the least efficient heating system, this had ample potential for reducing tenant heating costs and carbon emissions.
While assessing the suitability of technology options identified in the studies, M-Four considered the associated reduction in carbon emissions. They also analysed the impact on EESSH2 compliance, and capital installation costs including grant funding streams to reduce investment required. Our assessment team collated detailed reports to share with Bield HA on improvement measures to consider for each site, as a result, this increased the energy efficiency of the properties whilst reducing running costs and heating bills for residents.
Contact M-Four
For more information on our technical services consultancy have a look at our energy efficiency page or contact our specialist consultants contact@m-four.org