The Outward Bound Trust’s ageing oil fired boiler at its Eskdale Centre needed replacing, it needed a replacement that aligned with the environmental commitments. The challenge was finding a sustainable heating solution. Through a detailed feasibility study, we identified that the client’s preferred Air Source Heat Pumps alone wouldn’t meet the building’s demands.
Instead, we designed a bi-valent system combining Air Source Heat Pumps with LPG gas boilers, giving the Trust the best of both worlds. The LPG boiler was specified to allow future conversion to bio-LPG, keeping options open as the technology develops. The project included complete redesign of heating, hot and cold water systems.
CLIENT: Outwards Bound Trust
LOCATION: Holmrook, Cumbria
SERVICES: Mechanical Engineering
COMPLETED: 2024
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The Outward Bound Trust needed to replace an oil fired boiler at Eskdale Outward Bound Centre. As an environmentally responsible organisation with sustainability high on its agenda, any replacement had to align with both current environmental standards and future requirements. The building itself presented challenges, making it energy-inefficient and demanding on any heating system. The Trust was keen to install Air Source Heat Pumps as the preferred renewable option, viewing this as the most straightforward path to reducing its carbon footprint. However, the client needed expert guidance on whether this aspiration was realistic given the building’s condition and heating demands. Above all, the client wanted a solution that wouldn’t lock them into outdated technology, but would instead give them flexibility to adapt as environmental regulations and technologies continue to evolve.
OUR SOLUTION
PSA was appointed to carry out a feasibility study, complete the mechanical design, and provide on-site supervision to ensure the project met the required specification. The feasibility study examined practical options for energy sources, carefully considering the building’s age, condition and heating requirements. Whilst The Outward Bound Trust’s preference was for Air Source Heat Pumps, our analysis showed this wouldn’t be viable as a standalone solution due to the building’s size and demands.
We identified a bi-valent approach, which allows two systems to work together. This meant Air Source Heat Pumps could be installed alongside an LPG gas boiler, providing renewable energy when conditions allow whilst ensuring reliable heating during peak demand. We also specified the LPG boiler to allow future upgrade to bio-LPG, giving the Trust a clear pathway to further reduce emissions as the technology becomes more widely available.
Design elements:
- Bi-valent heating system combining Air Source Heat Pumps with LPG gas boiler
- Complete heating system replacement
- Hot and cold water provision redesign
- Future-ready specification for bio-LPG conversion
THE OUTCOME
The Outward Bound Trust is pleased with the new system, which delivers reliable heating whilst supporting its environmental commitments. The bi-valent design gives the client the desired renewable technology without compromising on performance for the building’s specific needs. The current installation has provided lower running costs than the original oil fired boilers.
