Journey to net zero milestone for Greater Manchester Academies Trust

A successful project to install air source heat pumps, solar PV and other energy efficiency measures at Manchester Communication Academy was showcased when a Salix team recently visited the site.

The Greater Manchester Academies Trust is one step closer to completing their low-carbon upgrades at the Academy thanks to funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The Academy, which has around 1,200 students, began a project of work to reduce their reliance on the electricity grid, as well as reducing emissions from gas-based heating systems.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has included a combination of low-carbon heating technology, energy efficiency measures, self-generation from renewable energy sources, and more to ensure solutions are best fit for purpose.

Chief Operating Officer and School Vice Principal Andrew Woolley talked to the Salix team on the recent visit about the challenges and successes of the project so far.

Salix Client Support Officer Alexander Pierre-Fallman said: “The site visit was really useful to get a practical overview of all aspects of the project.

“It was lovely to meet Andrew, who walked us through the academy and was knowledgeable about all aspects of the new low-carbon heating system.

“We saw the progress with insulation, distribution and emitters, as well as the installed low-carbon hearing technology – air source heat pumps.

“The planned location of the heat pumps had been a problem early on and the solution – a structure that placed them 2.5m above the ground – was nothing short of ingenious.”

To complete the estimated £1,508,879 of works, the Greater Manchester Academies Trust was awarded £1,327,813 in funding under Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The funding has been delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

There are two further major project milestones left before the project can reach completion. The first is in the installation of a battery which will connect to the solar PV to store excess electricity as it is generated for later use.

The second is in the arrival and installation of the final, custom-built pieces for the new low-carbon heating solutions (air source heat pumps) to allow them to function correctly.

Alexander added: “We will return once the project is fully completed to see the low-carbon heating in action.

“I expect this project to become a great example of how applicants in the education sector can plan for common hurdles in their decarbonisation journey, such as considering term time and engaging with their local authorities.”

It is expected that the remaining measures should be completed by early 2024, bringing the cohesive works to completion within the required timeframe for projects funded by the government scheme.