Rapeseed Oil helps Schools’ Trust Reduce Carbon Emissions

Shefford, Bedfordshire, UK – March 2011 – With energy prices soaring and fossil fuels becoming ever-more scarce, a Bedfordshire-based education trust has taken possession of a brand new, innovative building that generates the vast majority of its own electricity, heating and hot water, from locally-grown rapeseed oil – resulting in incredibly-low carbon emissions.

The £2.2M co-location building was commissioned by Bedfordshire East Schools Trust (BEST), at its site in Shefford, to bring together an existing 20-year-old nursery and provide office and conference facilities for NHS Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire PCT, SCITT, Extended Schools, community policing and, perhaps most importantly, the local community themselves. Designed and constructed by the Stamford-based, low-carbon building specialist, LowC Communities Ltd., the 805 square-metre building has achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘A’ and ‘Outstanding’ level under the construction industry’s BREEAM’s energy guidelines. Richard Griffin of LowC, commented: “Rapeseed oil is the perfect alternative to fossil fuels. It is sustainable - as there is a steady supply from farms all over the United Kingdom; it’s absorbed carbon dioxide whilst growing – so it’s inherently ‘green’ and, perhaps most importantly, it’s economically viable.” The key component to the building’s energy innovation is a specially designed and manufactured, renewable energy centre, incorporating a combined heat and power (CHP) system – which, in simple terms, is an engine that drives a generator to produce a building’s electricity. The heat created by the engine is recovered to provide hot water that can be used for heating and hot water. BEST currently looks after the educational needs for some 6,500 pupils, in 25 schools dotted around its mainly rural catchment area. Ian Kite, chief executive of BEST Ltd, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new building and it’s going to help us deliver our Trust’s aims of promoting the advancement of education and community cohesion.” “The fact that it runs on such a green and sustainable fuel is very important to us; what’s more, the energy usage within the building is kept to an absolute minimum to avoid waste and this is done by intelligent controls and a building that is constructed using the highest levels of insulation.” The building’s occupants can view just how efficient their energy consumption is via a number of display screens showing key graphical information in real time. A green smiley face is displayed when the heating, electricity and water use is within expected parameters. If this is exceeded, then the face will change to become a red unhappy face. This allows the users of the building to appreciate and modify their usage to ensure that the cost, both in terms of bills and the environment are kept to the lowest possible levels. The fuel’s green credentials also mean that under the Government’s Renewables Obligation, BEST will enjoy an income from the green electricity generated. ENDS

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