Vital Energi begin district heating update for Loughborough University

We have been working to develop and maintain Loughborough University’s district heating network for over 25 years and recently began work on another project, aligned to its commitment to decarbonise its estate to meet the Government’s zero carbon target by 2050, with considerable progress by 2035.

The University are demolishing the John Cooper and John Clements buildings and are planning to replace them with a multi-purpose teaching facility.  Phase 1 will see Vital Energi create a 350m district heating extension which diverts around the demolition site and will allow all connected buildings to continue receiving heat.  Phase 2 will see the buildings earmarked for demolition disconnected from the network and a new connection to the Matthew Arnold building will be created.  Both phases are being delivered at the same time to minimise disruption to the campus.

The instillation is intricate, due to the route clashing with existing services, such as high voltage electricity and water. This saw much of the excavation work done by hand to ensure there was no disruption to service.  Whilst the works will be undertaken during the summer break, the University campus is still busy with graduation and sporting events and Vital Energi worked with the client to minimise any disruption to the campus.

Works are currently underway and progressing well, with the project expected to be delivered over a 9-week period.