Case Study

Danes Educational Trust: Leveraging funding to drive decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

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Danes Educational Trust: Leveraging funding to drive decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

Danes Educational Trust’s partnership with Zenergi secured £166,000 in grant funding for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency upgrades. 

Danes Educational Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust of 12 schools in Hertfordshire. The Trust has partnered with Zenergi to kickstart its sustainability journey, leveraging government funding schemes to support its net zero targets.

£39,000

grant awarded in LCSF Phase 2 for a Trust-wide Heat Decarbonisation Plan

£127,000

grant awarded in PSDS Phase 3c for air source heat pumps

A trusted carbon reduction partner

Danes Educational Trust partnered with Zenergi to prepare its funding application for Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF). The Trust successfully secured a £39,000 grant, which was then used to engage Zenergi in developing a comprehensive Trust-wide Heat Decarbonisation Plan to identify the most cost-effective and strategic approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels.

A fabric first approach to decarbonisation

Zenergi carried out comprehensive energy and carbon site audits to identify the measures required to decarbonise the schools. Using a “fabric first” approach, the audits identified upgrades to building elements, including walls, glazing and roofs. These enhancements would reduce heat loss and improve air tightness, thereby improving the thermal envelope and reducing the peak heat demand.

The audits identified suitable replacements for traditional gas-fired boiler plant, stand-alone water heaters and gas catering appliances. The Heat Decarbonisation Plan establishes the Trust’s current carbon footprint and energy use, and identifies a strategic programme of measures to minimise energy consumption and eliminate the use of fossil fuels.

A Heat Decarbonisation Plan builds a case for air source heat pump funding

Zenergi supported Danes Educational Trust in leveraging its Heat Decarbonisation Plan to successfully apply for funding under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). As a result, the Trust secured £127,000 to replace outdated gas boilers with energy-efficient air source heat pumps.

Zenergi has been appointed to project manage the implementation and delivery of the upgrades. The Trust is now collaborating with Zenergi on a phased LED lighting upgrade across its schools to further reduce energy consumption and lower long-term maintenance costs.

 

With Zenergi’s expert guidance, Danes Educational Trust secured government funding to develop Heat Decarbonisation Plans and replace outdated gas boilers with sustainable air source heat pumps across all schools. Zenergi has been proactive in advising on funding and prioritising projects, including an LED lighting upgrade. The support has been invaluable in advancing our estates strategy and sustainability goals.

Dominic Richards

Chief Operating Officer

Danes Educational Trust

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A Heat Decarbonisation Plan outlines the Trust’s carbon footprint, energy use and a strategic programme to reduce consumption and eliminate fossil fuels.

This paved the way for funding success in Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).

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