At the ex-farming college site at Newton Rigg, we designed the mechanical systems for an innovative biomass heating solution that transformed the way the sports hall and office block are heated. The project went beyond simple cost savings, creating a sustainable revenue stream through the production and sale of biochar. By designing a comprehensive district heating network powered by wood-burning technology, we helped our client achieve both environmental and financial benefits, whilst taking advantage of government carbon incentives. The system’s clever design allows for the collection and processing of charcoal by-products, which are dried and sold to farmers as valuable soil fertiliser.
CLIENT: Newton Rigg
LOCATION: Penrith, Cumbria
SERVICES: Mechanical Design
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The client approached us with a clear vision for the former Newton Rigg College buildings, now operating as a sports hall and office block. It sought to reduce its heating costs through a biomass system, but more importantly, it recognised an opportunity to generate additional revenue from the system’s by-products. The client wanted to maximise the potential of government carbon incentives whilst creating a sustainable heating solution. They were particularly interested in the possibility of producing biochar, a valuable agricultural product, as part of the heating process.
OUR SOLUTION
We designed a comprehensive district heating network that connects both buildings through an efficient biomass system. The heart of the solution is a wood-burning boiler that generates heat whilst producing valuable by-products. Our technical designs encompassed:
- Complete district heating network schematics
- Wood-burning boiler system integration
- Heat distribution pipework configuration
- By-product collection and processing system
- Biochar drying facility utilising excess boiler gas
- Building connection and control systems
THE OUTCOME
The implemented system delivers reliable heating to both buildings whilst producing marketable biochar as a by-product. The client now benefits from reduced heating costs, government carbon incentives, and a new revenue stream from biochar sales to agricultural customers. This sustainable solution demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can deliver both environmental and financial benefits.
