Chain Lane Community Hub
Grant Funded Energy Efficiency Transformation at Chain Lane
Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough plays a vital role in supporting its local community, offering a range of services and facilities for residents. However, rising energy costs and outdated systems placed significant pressure on their ability to operate efficiently.
To address rising energy costs and the challenges of inefficient, old systems, Chain Lane Community Hub partnered with Energy Oasis, experienced in securing funding and delivering energy-saving solutions. By accessing £76,598.48 through the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme by Groundwork UK, Chain Lane Community Hub was able to upgrade critical systems, including intelligent LED lighting, solar PV panels, intelligent heating controls, and battery storage. Here’s a detailed look at how these measures are set to support the hub’s mission while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Project Background
Energy Oasis’s expertise in bid writing was crucial to securing the £76,598.48 needed to bring this project to life. The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme targets community organisations looking to lower their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. With a professional and well-crafted application, Energy Oasis unlocked this funding, paving the way for a full energy efficiency transformation at the hub.
This funding enabled Chain Lane Community Hub to modernise its energy infrastructure without straining its budget, ensuring long-term benefits not just for the facility but also for the local community that depends on its services.
Client Testimonial
“We could not have secured the funding required for our solar panels and intelligent lighting and heating without the support of Energy Oasis. They supported us through the whole bidding process, project managed the works on-site, and have committed to ongoing support. We’re extremely grateful for the assistance provided.”
— Sue Vasey, CEO, Chain Lane Community Hub
Securing VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme Funding
One of the first priorities was addressing the inefficiency of the hub’s lighting system. The original 144 lights were replaced with 97 intelligent LED fixtures, which provide better illumination while consuming significantly less energy.
Intelligent LED systems not only improve energy efficiency but also offer greater reliability and longer lifespans compared to traditional lighting. This reduces both operational costs and maintenance requirements.
Key Benefits:
Annual energy savings of 6,676.44 kWh, reducing lighting energy use by 44.6%.
Annual cost savings of £1,735.87, easing budget pressures.
Reduction of 1.77 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, contributing to environmental goals.
This upgrade ensures that the hub has a modern lighting system that meets the needs of staff and visitors while significantly cutting energy costs.
Installing Intelligent LED Lighting
Another major improvement was the installation of a 15.34 kW solar PV system. These solar panels allow the centre to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on purchased electricity and lowering overall operational costs.
This renewable energy solution aligns with the hub’s commitment to sustainability, setting an example of how community organisations can take the lead in addressing climate change locally.
Key Benefits:
Energy reduction of 10,285.47 kWh/year, cutting grid energy use by 68.7%.
Annual cost savings of £3,188.50, a substantial decrease in energy bills.
Reduction of 2.65 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, demonstrating environmental leadership.
The solar PV system not only saves money but also highlights the hub’s future-forward commitment to renewable energy sources.
Adding Renewable Energy: Installing Solar PV
Heating a community hub with varied spaces presents unique challenges, particularly in balancing efficiency and comfort. Energy Oasis addressed this by installing intelligent heating controls that optimise the way heating is used throughout the building.
These controls use occupancy and temperature sensors to determine when and how to heat specific areas, ensuring energy isn’t wasted in unoccupied spaces. They also integrate with the hub’s booking system, activating heating only when needed. This tailored approach ensures that energy is only used where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
Key Benefits:
Annual energy savings of 12,779.75 kWh, a 25% reduction in heating energy use.
Annual cost savings of £831.73, helping the hub lower operational expenses.
Carbon savings of 3.34 tonnes of CO2, supporting the hub’s decarbonisation goals.
This system also learns the thermodynamic properties of each room, further fine-tuning efficiency over time.
Improving Energy Usage with Intelligent Heating Controls
Supporting Energy Resilience with Battery Storage
To maximise the effectiveness of the solar PV system, Energy Oasis installed 13.8 kWh of battery storage. This addition brings multiple advantages, including energy resilience and cost efficiency.
The battery system stores excess solar energy generated during the day, allowing the hub to use more of its renewable energy even when the sun isn’t shining. It also provides a backup power supply to critical circuits, ensuring the hub can operate essential services, such as flood response and blood testing, during power outages.
Key Benefits:
Improved utilisation of solar energy, further reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Enhanced energy resilience during outages, ensuring continuity of critical community services.
Increased overall energy and cost efficiency across the hub.
By integrating battery storage, the hub gains a future-proof solution that ensures both cost savings and operational stability.
The upgrades completed at Chain Lane Community Hub demonstrate the significant impact of combining expert funding support with tailored energy solutions. Here’s a summary of the project’s projected benefits:
Total energy savings of 29,550 kWh/year, dramatically reducing overall energy consumption.
Annual cost savings of £5,756.10, providing more funds for community programs.
Total carbon reduction of 7.76 tonnes of CO2 per year, contributing to environmental sustainability.
These figures prove that strategic energy management doesn’t just benefit the environment—it directly helps organisations lower costs and focus resources on their core missions.
Summary of Project Benefits
From securing funding through the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme to managing every aspect of installation, Energy Oasis provided end-to-end support for Chain Lane Community Hub. Our expertise in energy efficiency for community hubs, including solutions like intelligent heating controls and solar PV systems, made these upgrades possible without disrupting the hub’s daily operations.
If your organisation is looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, or secure funding for energy projects, Energy Oasis can provide the expertise you need.
Get in touch with Energy Oasis today to start exploring energy-saving opportunities tailored to your building’s needs. Together, we can create solutions that benefit your organisation and the environment in equal measure.