Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Energy Centre

John Perkins Construction was appointed to deliver the Energy Centre project at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed (YGGIC), a Welsh-speaking secondary school in Newport. The project formed part of the school’s transition to a low-carbon future, replacing the existing gas-fired hot water generation with a modern heating and domestic hot water system powered primarily by air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

The works comprised the construction of a new secure external Energy Centre and ASHP compound, together with significant upgrades to the school’s existing plant rooms. The compound accommodates two large air source heat pumps and a purpose-built Energy Centre housing heat storage, water treatment and control equipment, and was designed to be safe, acoustically controlled and fully accessible to support long-term operation and maintenance. New pipework was installed both underground and within the undercroft of the existing school buildings to distribute the heat efficiently from the Energy Centre to the upgraded school plant rooms to allow connection to the heating system.

Within the existing plant rooms serving the old and new school blocks, legacy gas-fired hot water equipment was removed and replaced with new hot water heat pump systems, complete with dedicated storage vessels. The retained gas boilers were reconfigured to operate solely as a backup system. New valves, meters, pipework, sensors and controls were installed to support the upgraded infrastructure, with targeted modifications made to elements of the heating and ventilation systems to ensure compatibility with lower-temperature heat pump operation. All works were carefully phased to maintain continuous heating and hot water provision throughout the project.

A new control panel was installed within the Energy Centre and fully integrated with the school’s existing Building Management System. This allows the performance of the new heating infrastructure to be monitored and optimised automatically, with weather compensation and additional internal sensors improving efficiency, temperature control and occupant comfort across the campus.

Following installation, all new pipework was pressure tested and the system fully commissioned to ensure safe and reliable operation. Delivered over a 16-week programme following the successful completion of the new sports hall at YGGIC, the £1.4m project reflects the strong collaborative relationship developed with the client team. The system is now fully commissioned and ready for operational use, forming a key part of the site’s low-carbon infrastructure and supporting the school’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Reflecting on the project, Eirian Jones, Head Teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed, commented:

“It’s been a pleasure to work with John Perkins Construction on the recent works at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed. The work carried out is to a very high specification and the finish is excellent.

Colleagues at John Perkins Construction worked extremely hard to ensure a safe environment for our learners during the building work and their readiness to adjust or change arrangements was commendable. There was a very positive working relationship between the school and John Perkins and this cooperation was essential in successfully delivering the project. Thank you John Perkins Construction.”