Concept was engaged to deliver a major decarbonisation scheme at DEFRA’s Rivers House site in Blandford Forum. The aim of the programme was to remove reliance on oil-fired heating systems and transition the facility to a low-carbon, net zero operational model.
We began with the decommissioning and removal of the existing oil-fired heating plant, including associated equipment and boiler flues. The internal layout was adapted to accommodate a new buffer vessel and a low-temperature hot water system, supported by updated emitters and zonal heating controls to improve energy efficiency and user comfort. Four air source heat pumps were installed to provide low-carbon heating, supported by photovoltaic arrays mounted to the roofs of both the main and satellite buildings to generate renewable energy on site.
What we did
Delivery of a full decarbonisation programme that replaced fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon technology and upgraded building infrastructure to support net zero operation.
Specifications
- Decommissioning and removal of existing oil-fired heating systems
- Installation of four Mitsubishi electric air source heat pumps
- Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on main and satellite building roofs
- New buffer vessel and low-temperature hot water heating system
- Replacement heating emitters and zonal heating controls
- Installation of new low-voltage main electrical panel
- High-voltage cabling connection from the local road network
- Installation of new site transformer
- Full replacement of windows and doors with energy-efficient units
Project Overview
Number of months
27
Contract Value
£
2.3
m
The introduction of heat pumps and renewable energy systems created a higher electrical demand across the site. To address this, we carried out major power infrastructure upgrades to ensure the building could support the new systems while maintaining operational resilience.
Works included the installation of a new low-voltage main panel, the provision of high-voltage cabling from the local road network, and the installation of a new transformer to provide sufficient electrical capacity. Alongside these upgrades, the building envelope was improved through the full replacement of windows and doors with energy-efficient alternatives, which enhanced thermal performance and supported DEFRA’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Innovations, challenges, solutions
We upgraded the site’s electrical infrastructure to support new low-carbon systems and future operational demand.
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