Primary school installs low-carbon heat system

Low-carbon heat is now being delivered to a Norfolk primary school following the installation of ground source heat pumps in an extension on the property, it has emerged.

According to heat pump provider Dimplex UK, the primary school project is the first heat pump installation to be carried out through funding from the second phase of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP).

A total of three SI 21 CS heat pumps were installed at the new build site, with the LCPB grant saving the local education authority more than £12,000, said Grahame Chambers, headteacher at Scarning Primary School in Dereham.

"We wanted to minimise the school's carbon emissions and the incorporation of a renewable heating system in the new extension was a straightforward decision," he explained.

Mr Chambers added that heat pumps "had the edge" over other renewable energy sources because they were relatively low-maintenance.

According to the Telegraph, domestic buildings can also benefit from grants provided by the LCBP, with up to £1,200 available to homeowners installing low-carbon ground source heat pumps.