Vital Energi has successfully delivered a high-profile rooftop crane lift at Palestra House, one of Transport for London’s largest office buildings, supporting their journey to decarbonise their operations and buildings.
As part of the wider energy upgrade programme, which is set to save over 1,500 tonnes of carbon a year, the crane operation involved the removal of four redundant air-cooled chillers and the installation of three new air source heat pumps (ASHPs).
These ASHPs will generate low-temperature hot water (LTHW) and provide supplementary cooling to the retained chillers, helping to transition the building away from fossil fuel reliance.
The crane lift, which took place at the busy Blackfriars Road and Union Street junction, required meticulous planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders including TfL, Thames Water, Southwark Council, and Network Rail, along with local residents, and businesses.
Traffic, cycling, and pedestrian management plans were implemented, including diversions for the super cycle highway and secure fencing around the craneage area to ensure public safety.
An extensive pre-planning and peer review process ensured the lift was executed smoothly, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area and continued operation of Palestra House.
As well as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps, Vital Energi are implementing upgrades to existing heating, cooling, and controls systems within the building, and converting over 9,000 light fittings to energy-efficient LEDs, to support TfL’s net zero ambitions.
To date, around 3,500 lights have been replaced across four of the building’s eleven floors, with phased works carefully coordinated with TfL and building occupiers to minimise disruption.
Ventilation upgrades have also been completed, further enhancing the building’s energy performance.
There will be a second crane lift towards the end of the year, where water source heat pumps will be lifted and positioned on the roof.
TfL was awarded grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered by Salix on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to enable this phase of works.
Read more about how Vital Energi is supporting TfL’s decarbonisation journey here.
