We applied for decarbonisation funding on behalf of the Academy, to enable this project to take place. The project supports the Trust’s efforts in working towards carbon reduction and the Government’s net zero targets.
The investment for the project totalled over £100,000, the majority of which was funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and secured by SUAT, with the remaining costs of the project being funded by the Trust’s school building condition improvement fund.
The Academy was built in 1999 and so the pre-existing oil-fired boiler system had been in situ for over two decades. As the boilers were reaching the end of their lifespan and suffered constant breakdowns, a Display Energy Certificate report designated an energy rating of F. The new system was essential in ensuring that the building could be warm and energy efficient and provide an environment which supports quality teaching and learning.
Joanne Goodwin, Office Services Manager at All Saints CE Academy said: “The entire boiler room needed stripping out and this included the de-gassing and removal of the pre-existing oil tank.
“The new system now consists of three brand-new air-source heat pumps, a buffer vessel, a plate heat exchanger, pressurisation units complete with an expansion vessel, a dirt and air separator and dosing pots.
“Each classroom now also benefits from new overdoor curtain heaters, complete with thermostats and new pipework. The school has also installed new radiators in the toilet areas, keeping the children and staff warm throughout the cold months.”
All Saints CE Academy has online access to the heating system which means the staff no longer have to walk across to the boiler house to assess the temperature of the school. As the system is also linked to the Academy’s property management company, the boiler scheme can be supervised over the holidays and weekends, remotely.
Rebecca Walker, Executive Headteacher at All Saints CE Academy said: “For so long now, we have had an inefficient boiler system at All Saints where we had constant breakdown issues. Our Energy Efficiency Rating was also a very poor F!
“We are incredibly proud that we are only one of two schools in the county to benefit from having an air-source boiler system fitted through this pioneering project.
“Throughout the project, we have been supported by our amazing Multi-Academy Trust, SUAT which has also funded the school’s contribution.
“Without their support, a small school like ours would not be able to fund such a project. The school’s property surveyors have project managed the works and we are thankful to them for their expertise and guidance.
“As a school community, we are passionate about increasing our green credentials and this new boiler system is a huge step towards that. Our pupils completed lots of research and work during COP26 and have written to our Local MP to inform them of our actions to support climate change and ask them to articulate Staffordshire’s commitment.
“We would like to thank Staffordshire University Academies Trust for all their support, not only with this project but for all they do for us. It’s reassuring and comforting to know we are in a safe pair of hands.”
Our mission at SUAT is to enable our children, young people and their families to report that Staffordshire is a great place to live, play, learn and achieve in; a place where they feel safe and can lead healthy lives and a place that offers them a successful future.
To read more about our visions and values, take a look at our core objectives page.
If you are interested in joining a Trust that encourages and supports change for a safer environment for all pupils and staff, contact us today.
