Essex Records Office - Decarbonisation

Decarbonisation Strategy and Detailed MEP Design

WP3 completed a decarbonisation assessment for the Essex Records Office, developing a strategy for removing any dependence on fossil fuels. This incorporated advice on project funding and the detailed design of the MEP interventions required, including modern electricity driven Air Source Heat Pump and Water Source Heat Pump technology.

Particularly critical in this close control archive and mixed use building, WP3 design a scheme and strategy for changing out existing conventional boilers for a new sustainable ASHP / WSHP heat source - whilst maintaining service at all times and limiting any changeover shutdowns.

Working closely with Mitie and Essex County Council, we developed multiple options very clearly outlining the benefits and disadvantages of the various approaches to allow all parties to understand the impacts on cost, programme and building performance to determine the optimum solution to proceed with.

We completed detailed utility assessments and liaised with the existing suppliers to determine current site capacity, current peak and average consumption and available network capacity. This helped further inform project costs and procurement strategy. This was particularly critical in the success of the project, with network and site electricity supplies being the single most limiting factor to the continued rollout of heat pump technologies across the UK.