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Companies House is an executive agency responsible for the incorporation, registration, and dissolution of companies across the UK, operating from a 29,000 m² headquarters in Cardiff. The organisation had already implemented extensive energy efficiency measures across the site but faced the replacement of aging gas boiler plant, presenting an opportunity to significantly decarbonise heat supply. Our work spanned initial biomass feasibility through to a subsequent solar PV, solar thermal, and heat recovery assessment, delivering a phased programme of carbon reduction across the site.
Initially appointed to assess the viability of replacing aging gas boilers with a biomass system, we delivered a full feasibility, design, procurement, and implementation service -resulting in a 500 kW wood pellet boiler that now consistently supplies around 87% of the site's heat demand at a seasonal efficiency of over 84%. We were subsequently commissioned to assess further renewable and energy recovery opportunities across the site, identifying a 150 kWp solar PV system, 30 kWth solar thermal system, and a server room heat recovery system with a projected 2-year payback.
Scope
We were appointed by the Environmental Management Team at Companies House to undertake an initial feasibility study assessing options for decarbonising the offices. We supported planning approval, developed Invitation to Tender documents, assisted with contractor appointment, and provided technical support throughout construction, commissioning, and handover.
Services
Feasibility, Detailed Design & Hydraulic Modelling, Fuel Delivery Strategy, Procurement Support, Planning Support, Client's Engineer, Commissioning, RHI Accreditation, Solar PV & Thermal Assessment, Heat Recovery Assessment.
Solution
A wood pellet boiler with 50 m³ pellet silo and 30,000 litres of thermal storage was installed, backed up by 2.3 MW of auxiliary gas boilers. The centralised hot water system was converted to point-of-use hot water to eliminate heat losses and allow LTHW heating circuits to be weather-compensated to low temperatures, further increasing efficiency and making building compatible with future heating technologies. A 150 kWp rooftop solar PV system was installed, and server room heat recovery system to cut cooling electricity consumption. We ontinue to provide operations and maintenance support through our Sustainable Energy Operations service.
As a government agency we want to lead by example in meeting government carbon reduction targets.