Greenleys Junior School receives decarb upgrade

Liberty was awarded the contract to upgrade the heating and hot water services at Greenleys Junior School in Milton Keynes through the Fusion21 Heating & Compliance – Department for Education / Education Programmes Framework.

Scope of Works

The c.£300,000 project saw Liberty install a new commercial air source heat pump (ASHP) to supply domestic hot water services, two new hot water cylinders, water descaling equipment, and increase the heating and cooling capacity of the existing variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial air conditioning system with the installation of additional units.

A new control system was installed as part of the hot water installation. The new system monitors the ASHP and controls a backup immersion heater which will be activated in the event of any future breakdown of the ASHP, ensuring a continuous hot water supply and legionella control.

Timeline
Project duration: October 2023 – April 2024 (Working around school term times).

Project execution
The project was delivered in phases to align with the school’s timetable and holidays, minimising disruption to students and staff.

• Phase 1: Addressing limescale damage to the previous water heating plant, Liberty installed a robust water softening system and conducted chemical treatment of the domestic hot water services system.
• Phase 2: The installation of the ASHP was carried out at an external location on school grounds. This required the construction of a secure, fenced-off work area for building a concrete base and soakaway. Works were completed during school hours, with minimal impact on daily operations.
• Phase 3: The existing VRF circuits were stripped out, and new indoor and outdoor units were added to create more zones and circuits. The entire system was repiped, and an advanced control system installed. This phase required unrestricted access and was completed during school holidays when the full heating system could be safely shut down.

Challenges and solutions
Working within a live school environment presented unique challenges, particularly regarding safety, security, and operational continuity. Liberty ensured all operatives underwent enhanced DBS checks and collaborated with skilled subcontractors under the guidance of an experienced Liberty Site Manager. Through proactive communication and planning, the team successfully managed the project’s technical complexity and delivered it on schedule.

Feedback and Outcome
The upgraded heating and hot water systems have transformed Greenleys Junior School’s facilities, enhancing energy efficiency and providing a sustainable solution for years to come. The client praised Liberty for their attention to detail and ability to deliver within a live environment saying: “all the contractors were conscientious and professional allowing us to continue our day-to-day operation without impacting the children’s education”.