Upton Village Hall – Energy Management

Despite apparent indications that our 80 year old Hall could make energy savings – none have been identified as cost justified – although we are always open to this being challenged.

During the first half of 2007, UVH had several telephone consultations with Colin Clark - appointed by The Carbon Trust - to create a model of the Hall’s energy consumption so that potential savings can be quantified.

The model – an easy to use spreadsheet – has evolved as assumptions have been firmed or at least refined.

Basic facts

• The Hall is heavily used 9.30am – 10.00pm most days during winter 8mnths. Slightly less during summer 4months.
• Single storey building (built 1928) with main hall mainly encompassed by other rooms (kitchen / toilets / storage etc)
• Main Hall 16m X 9m with high roof (probably little roof insulation)
• Gas - costs currently running at around £3,500 p.a. – all to gas boiler.
• Gas boiler – for central heating and sustains a hot water cylinder for meagre draw-off (equiv of less than one bath-full per week).
• Reasonable assumption that 80% of central heating for main hall.
• Control system is simple timer with main hall room temperature and individual radiator thermostats. Room temp setting only accessible to Building Manager.
• Boiler 25+ yrs old – tested to record 83% gross efficiency. Surprisingly high for age but correct calibration assured.(previous figure similar)
• Electricity – costs currently running at around £500 p.a.
• Electricity primarily for lighting (mostly lo-energy tubes).
• Through draft via doors/windows while heating on is fairly well contained given that this is a public facility.
• New double-glazed skylights in main hall roof. Remote opening and blinds to help relieve heat in summer.
• All windows double glazed.
• Most external walls of ‘used’ rooms are insulated with insulted board on single brick walls. Storage walls only single brick.

Conclusions from CT

• Our thoughts of installing a new CH boiler with smart controller and separate on-demand water heater – analysed by CT and decision that NOT justified on savings. Rather recommended to only take this action when boiler eventually fails. Currently boiler seems very robust and working well – could last many more years. We had a CCC grant offer of £3000 for this work which we then declined.
• No other energy improvements could be identified by CT.