Norfolk military training camp goes ‘green’

Soldiers using a Norfolk training area are enjoying more comfortable living conditions that also helping to protect the environment and reduce costs – thanks to an innovative, energy saving heating system.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has delivered the new Air Source Heat Pump system at West Tofts Camp, near Thetford, as part of a package of measures to help meet the Government’s green targets.

Working with industry partner Landmarc Support Services, DIO carried out some £295,000 worth of improvements in just eight weeks. The work is part of a three-year energy efficiency programme helping the MOD meet its targets under the Greening Government Commitment (GGC).

The project included replacing old doors, flooring and electrics, improving wall and ceiling insulation and providing new energy efficient heating to the sleeping accommodation.

Tony Powell, DIO Regional Executive Officer for the East Region, said:

“DIO delivers safe and sustainable training areas across the UK and some overseas locations, allowing our Armed Forces to prepare for operations.

“The Air Source Heat Pump system is a relatively new and innovative system that takes energy from the ground and converts it to provide heat in to the accommodation.

“The project offers huge benefits including improved building insulation, more efficient heating, reduced maintenance costs and more comfortable living conditions for the user.”

Flight Sergeant Alexander Cattanach from RAF Cranwell said:

“These improvements are great, making the accommodation at West Tofts the best we have seen for some time.

“Our troops very much appreciate the work that has been done, particularly as it enables them to rest and relax in comfortable surroundings after a hard day’s training on the area.”                                                                                                                                                                          

Ends

Further information:

Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk

DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio

Twitter: @mod_dio

Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/

Notes to Editors    

1) The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations.

2) DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.

3) Our work includes supporting operational units by providing and improving single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, and its heritage is protected, and to achieve its environmental goals.

4) A number of potential heating systems as an alternative to the LPG Gas heaters that served the accommodation at West Tofts were considered these covered Solar, Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps with Air Sourced Heating selected as the best system providing the return on the investment. 

5) Picture caption – please credit ‘Crown copyright/MOD 2014’:

Pre Install: the out-dated accommodation pre work beginning.

After Install: A clean, well-insulated efficient building brings a 1940s construction into the present day.

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