Member Article

Schools given expert energy efficient advice at free Lord Combustion Services event

Schools received the latest expert advice on running their heating and hot water systems efficiently amid the recent price rises at a free event run by award-winning specialist Lord Combustion Services.

A range of education representatives were given up to date information on technological advances in school systems as well as practical steps to implement during the information session at Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.

The team from Oldbury-based Lord Combustion Services, who provide heating, hot water, ventilation and air conditioning services for more than 1000 clients in the West Midlands, gave tips on the best ways of managing energy consumption ahead of the winter pressures which last year saw budgets impacted by rocketing utility price rises.

Teachers, school business managers, operations managers and decision makers from a range of public sector organisations joined the event, which also included presentations from leading experts.

Managing Director Stuart Smith, who hosted the session, opened by giving an overview of the energy usage in schools. The event was organised to coincide with the traditional switch to winter heating levels from October 1st across education sites.

Stuart said: “The typical school heating season lasts for more than 210 days, totalling more than 5100 hours, without efficient control this can lead to high levels of wastage, as a vast amount of energy can be consumed when there are no students around. Energy efficient control strategies can bring the number of heated hours down by up to 80 per cent.”

A building management system controls specialist gave the invited audience updates on the technology available to make practical improvements to heat management in schools while a leading equipment manufacturer talked through the impact of air source heat pumps upon energy efficiency and the environment.

The delegates were also given the latest information on public funding schemes for heat decarbonisation projects.

Speaking after the event, Stuart Smith said: “Winter heating usage starts for schools in early October so with decision makers preparing to manage their bills for the winter, the timing felt right to provide an event to fully inform them of the options available.

“We were delighted so many colleagues from across the education sector could join us to hear from our speakers and enjoy networking opportunities around sharing knowledge.”

Having operated in the West Midlands since 1982 and with a team of nearly 50 staff, Lord has built a reputation for sustainability, including winning a leading award in recognition of its work introducing more environmentally friendly solutions for clients including schools.

Operating from its base in Dudley Road East, Oldbury, earlier this year Lord joined the Black Country Living Museum Partnership to support the Dudley-based open air museum which guides visitors through the history of one of the first industrialised landscapes in the UK.

The session, held on September 29, was the first to be staged by Lord at the Museum.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Leggett .