Primary School Reduces Carbon Emissions with AquaStore Heat Pump Water Heater

Sector:

Introduction

When the existing gas-fired water heater at a primary school in Wolverhampton reached the end of its operational life, the school was faced with an important decision. Rather than replacing the appliance on a like-for-like basis, the school and its installation partner took the opportunity to explore a lower-carbon alternative that would support their sustainability objectives while continuing to provide a reliable supply of domestic hot water.
The result was the installation of a Lochinvar AquaStore air-source heat pump water heater alongside an LSTR220 indirect storage vessel, creating an efficient hot water system capable of meeting the school’s daily demands while eliminating onsite emissions associated with hot water generation.

Project Objectives

The project team identified several key objectives for the replacement system:

Replace the failed gas-fired water heater with a reliable and future-ready solution.
Decarbonise the school’s domestic hot water provision.
Maintain sufficient hot water capacity for daily staff and pupil requirements.
Improve overall energy efficiency.
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support wider sustainability goals.

Solution

Following an assessment of the school’s hot water requirements, an AquaStore heat pump water heater was selected in conjunction with an LSTR220 storage vessel. The combined solution offered a straightforward route to decarbonising domestic hot water production without compromising on performance. Unlike conventional gas-fired water heaters, the AquaStore utilises heat from the air in the plant room to generate hot water. As the system operates entirely on electricity, the replacement of the failed gas appliance has removed direct onsite emissions associated with the school’s hot water provision, representing a significant step forward in reducing the building’s operational carbon footprint.

The inclusion of the LSTR220 storage vessel ensures a consistent supply of hot water throughout the school day, enabling the system to efficiently meet varying demand profiles. By storing heated water and working in conjunction with the heat pump water heater, the vessel helps maintain availability during peak usage periods while optimising overall system efficiency. The installation demonstrates how end-of-life equipment replacement can provide an opportunity to rethink building services strategies. Rather than simply replacing the existing gas-fired system with another fossil-fuel appliance, the school elected to invest in technology that aligns with the ongoing transition towards lower-carbon heating and hot water solutions.

By adopting a heat pump-based approach, the school has futureproofed its hot water provision while taking measurable action towards reducing carbon emissions. The project also highlights how educational facilities can decarbonise key building services with minimal disruption by integrating modern heat pump technology into existing plantroom environments. The completed installation now provides the school with a dependable hot water supply, improved energy efficiency and zero onsite emissions from domestic hot water generation, supporting both operational requirements and longer-term sustainability ambitions.