Vital Energi has entered a 25-year Energy Services Company (ESCo) contract with Vistry Group for Hepworth Place, a new housing development in Walthamstow, London. This partnership aims to provide sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions to 433 homes, including 50% affordable housing in collaboration with One Housing Group. We will deploy a renewable district heating system, air source heat pumps (ASHPs), and will ensure residents are fully supported through the dedicated consumer-platform, Vital Community Energi
The Hepworth Place development, located within the historic Walthamstow Town Hall and Fellowship Square area, is a significant addition to London’s sustainable housing landscape, focusing on affordability and
environmental stewardship. The primary requirement for Vistry Group at Hepworth Place was the need for sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective energy solution for the new residential development.
The challenge was to design and build an energy centre that not only met current environmental standards but also provided reliability for future demands. Vistry Group sought the services of an established and competent ESCo to adopt the full network and manage the risks associated with operating a heat network, deliver a positive customer experience and provide a complete solution for reducing carbon emissions, customer support and providing affordable heating at the development.
Our approach, at Hepworth Place, incorporates innovative energy solutions and resident-focused services to
enhance sustainability and comfort for the community.
Resident-focused platform
Our resident-focused approach is reflected in our dedicated consumer brand, Vital Community Energi, which is designed to support the needs of Hepworth Place residents over the contract’s 25-year duration. We offer residents a dedicated tailored website with multiple communication channels, providing quick and easy access to essential information about their energy services, troubleshooting guides, and energy-saving tips. We also provide specialised support for customers in vulnerable situations, ensuring that all residents can access energy services with confidence and ease. This includes the Priority Services Register, which provides assistance to those in need.
Putting residents in control
The Glass app gives residents at Hepworth Place real-time visibility over their energy consumption and payments. By tracking their energy usage, residents are able to make informed decisions about their consumption, pay their energy bill and contact our expert customer service team. The app’s user-friendly interface means that residents can stay in control of their energy wherever they are, whenever they need it.
Renewable energy technologies deployed
The district heating system at Hepworth Place uses ASHPs and vTherm˚e heat interface units (HIUs) to
efficiently deliver heating and hot water to residents. ASHPs absorb ambient heat and use vapour compression technology to transfer it into the insulated pipework of the district heating network. The BESA-tested vTherm˚e HIUs ensure efficient heat transfer from the network into the homes, making it an ideal solution for the diverse energy demands of this mixed-use development, as well as minimising any environmental impact.
Guaranteed service standards and support
The solution at Hepworth Place was developed in alignment with Heat Trust Scheme Rules, with transparent tariffs, fair treatment of residents, and an independent dispute resolution mechanism. When registered, customers will enjoy a service standard comparable to those in the traditional gas and electricity sectors, giving them peace of mind and trust in the long-term reliability of their energy services.
The 25-year ESCo contract between Vital Energi and Vistry Group at Hepworth Place is setting a benchmark
for sustainable, community-centred energy solutions. By integrating renewable ASHP technology, customer-focused communications and the Glass app, and aligning to the Heat Trust Scheme Rules, we are enhancing the resident experience while contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This illustrates the potential of long-term partnerships to drive positive change,
setting the foundation for a sustainable future where energy efficiency and customer satisfaction become the
standard.
