George Wimpey are currently realising the benefits of Vital Energi’s unrivalled in-house expertise in delivering complete sustainable energy solutions, appointing the company to implement an innovative biomass fuelled community heating scheme that has also drawn on their specialist  in-house design resource, for a housing development on the site of a former RAF base.

RAF Eastcote in Hillingdon, West London, was previously the home of US visiting forces.  As part of an initiative to release surplus land across six Ministry of Defence sites in London for the creation of new housing, this pioneering scheme plays a key role in providing much needed homes within the Capital. The first developer to seize the opportunity was George Wimpey acquiring 19 acres of land which is currently being converted into 385 brand new apartments and houses, of which more than 30% will be earmarked as affordable for A2 Dominion Housing Association.

A core element of the planning conditions imposed on this prominent developer was the requirement to achieve a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions from on-site renewable generation to meet the Mayor of London Plan, whilst also achieving the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 rating across all the affordable dwellings on the site.

Impressed and encouraged by Vital Energi’s track record in designing, supplying and installing successful biomass schemes of the highest quality following a visit to their award winning residential scheme in Elmswell, Suffolk, George Wimpey originally commissioned the company to undertake design work incorporating a carbon neutral wood pellet fuelled heating system intended to deliver affordable and reliable heating and hot water to 99 new affordable homes.

Charged with assessing their original design proposal, Vital Energi’s technical team worked closely with the client to provide the required amendments to meet the original brief whilst developing a viable, reliable and energy efficient detailed design solution resulting in a value engineered scheme that delivers the performance requirements and lasts a life time.

Vital Energi is now constructing this £850,000 renewable energy scheme.  This will include all elements relating to the supply and installation of an energy centre including a 140kW wood pellet boiler with gas fired back up boiler plant, thermal storage, wood chip fuel store and conveyor system to feed the biomass boiler, as well as above and below ground heat distribution networks terminating with Vital Aqua Varm ™  hydraulic interface units including heat metering, providing increased control over when and how much hot water can be used.