Cornwall Council Schools – Decarbonisation

Producing viable options for the Decarbonisation of Cornwall’s schools’ heat networks
Education
Cornwall
Ongoing

Services Design Solution is supporting Cornwall Council with the production of Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs) for school buildings across Cornwall.

Following Cornwall Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, the authority has made tackling climate change a strategic priority, with an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030. As part of this commitment, the Council is focusing on improving the efficiency and sustainability of heat networks across its school estate.

Services Design Solution (SDS) is supporting Cornwall Council through the development of comprehensive Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs) for school buildings throughout the county. SDS has identified a range of carbon-saving opportunities and practical interventions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate the transition towards low-carbon heat solutions across Cornwall’s education portfolio.

  • Assessed renewable technologies to support the decarbonisation of Cornwall’s schools and progress toward carbon neutrality.
  • Completed a SWOT analysis to evaluate low-carbon heating options and identify the most effective solutions.
  • Compared energy use, cost, and CO₂ emissions of low-carbon systems against like-for-like replacements to demonstrate savings and payback.
  • Outlined key actions and costs to support implementation of the Heat Decarbonisation Plan.
  • Delivered a feasibility assessment with clear, evidence-based recommendations.

  • Proposed alternative heating solutions that reduce reliance on carbon-intensive fuels and mitigate the risks associated with rising and uncertain gas supply. Options included:
    • Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Ground Source Heat Pumps
    • Electric Boilers
    • Solar Thermal Systems
    • Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

  • Modelled building performance to optimise existing systems and develop strategies for reducing thermal loads.

  • Estimated potential energy and cost savings for each proposed heating option.

  • SDS also reviewed additional measures which contribute towards decarbonising the building as a whole.
  • Initial plans delivered a potential annual scope 1 and 2 carbon savings of 91 tCO2e (59%).

Get in touch

Your vision, our expertise – engineering a more sustainable world together.

Contact Us
Back to projects