Delivering Hot Water for Listed Council Building with Zero On-Site Emissions

Introduction

A Grade II listed building located in the West Midlands, forms an important part of the local authority estate managed by the local authority. As part of a wider programme to modernise and improve the sustainability of its public buildings, the council initiated a refurbishment project to upgrade the Town Hall’s domestic hot water provision. The aim was to replace an ageing gas-fired water heater with a more efficient, low-carbon alternative that would support long-term decarbonisation goals.

Objectives

The primary objective of the project was to remove the existing competitor gas-fired 19kW water heater and install a cleaner, more sustainable solution capable of delivering reliable hot water while reducing environmental impact.

The council sought an option that would not only lower operational emissions but also align with wider decarbonisation strategies being adopted across the authority’s building portfolio.

The installation was carried out by a local mechanical and electrical installer, who required equipment that offered straightforward integration into a historic building and minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Solution

To meet these requirements, the multi award-winning Lochinvar Amicus AquaStore heat pump water heater was selected for the project. The AquaStore provides a highly efficient and low-carbon method of generating hot water by transferring ambient heat energy from the surrounding air.

The product was chosen for its ability to deliver zero on-site emissions, making it an ideal solution for organisations looking to reduce reliance on fossil fuel systems. Its simple installation process and cost-effective design also made it well-suited to refurbishment projects within existing and listed buildings.

Following installation, the council expressed strong satisfaction with the performance and sustainability benefits of the new system. As a result, the council is now considering the rollout of similar units across additional buildings under its management including a number of local school sites, as part of its ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the estate.