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23rd October 2025

Return to Loughborough University for Major Heat Network Reconfiguration

Continuing our 25-year relationship by reconfiguring the heat network to enable the construction of a new student accommodation block.

University campuses constantly evolve to meet changing teaching and learning needs. This often requires reconfiguring heat networks to connect new buildings, reroute pipework, and disconnect buildings planned for demolition.

Loughborough University is currently adding 552 student beds on land that previously housed the Graham Oldham and Chemistry buildings. To support this, Vital Energi rerouted district heating pipework away from a car park that will be developed for new student accommodation.

This work was essential for the campus redevelopment. It involved draining the pipework, creating a new section, and shutting down the heat network to connect the new section of district heating to the existing network.

Old Pipework Capped Off

Capping some of the existing pipework as part of the reconfiguration works.

Solution detail

The University have made a strong commitment to bringing lower-carbon learning to their campus and giving their staff and students the best facilities possible. We’re extremely proud to be playing a small part in the evolution of their campus by reconfiguring their district heating scheme. This project involved a lot of planning to minimise disruption, such as scheduling the works for the quiet holiday periods. We were extremely pleased that the delivery team connected the new section of heat network ahead of schedule, allowing the campus to quickly return to normal.”

David Hutchinson, Operations Director for Vital Energi

Vital Energi have been partnering with Loughborough University for over 25 years and have installed over 7km of district heating pipework, helping their heating network evolve to meet the changing needs of their campus.

NDT Tested Welds

Non-Destructive Testing of the welds ensures the highest quality of the jointing system which is a key element for ensuring longevity.

Solution detail