- Location: Hamilton
- Client: BE-ST
- Services: Options Appraisal, Outline Design, Detailed Design
The Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre (SNRC) project, led by BE-ST, is a landmark initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable retrofit practices across the country. The centre will serve as a hub for knowledge, training, and innovation, bringing together industry expertise to accelerate the transition to low-carbon buildings and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions.
Luths Services was engaged to provide building performance expertise to support the design and delivery of the SNRC. Our role focused on detailed energy modelling and data-driven analysis to ensure the centre demonstrates best practice in operational efficiency and low-carbon design.
We worked closely with the wider team to integrate sustainable engineering solutions. The design included a first-of-its-kind Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) system combined with a heat pump.
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PVT System
The PVT (Photovoltaic Thermal) system is an innovative solution that combines solar PV (electricity generation) and solar thermal (heat collection) technologies into a single, compact system. This dual-purpose design saves valuable roof space while delivering the benefits of both energy sources.
As a heat collector, the PVT system is a more cost-effective alternative to boreholes and eliminates the operational noise typically associated with air source heat pumps (ASHPs). This makes it a quieter, more space-efficient, and economical option for sustainable energy generation.
This system is still very new to the UK, and we’re proud to be among the first to install one, showcasing its potential to revolutionise renewable energy solutions in the region.
HVAC
Aligned with EnerPHit standards, the HVAC system prioritises efficient heat distribution to reduce energy loss.
The water source heat pump (WSHP) works by circulating a brine solution through PVT (photovoltaic thermal) panels, capturing heat and transferring it to the pump. To ensure the system runs efficiently, all pipes are well-insulated to keep heat where it’s needed.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) provides backup during colder weather, ensuring reliable heating when the WSHP might be less effective. This combination ensures a comfortable, energy-efficient system that meets EnerPHit’s high standards for sustainability.
Domestic Hot Water
We used a combination of a traditional cylinder system and an innovative renewable Sunamp system to demonstrate different types of hot water generation. Sunamp’s cutting-edge solutions utilise phase change material (PCM) technology to efficiently store and release heat, delivering instant hot water on demand.
These compact, energy-saving systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Lighting
The lighting system is designed with sustainability in mind. The fixtures were suspended from the ceiling to hang below the HVAC system to ensure the room is well-lit while keeping the HVAC system visible and easily accessible for maintenance.
All lighting solutions used are energy-efficient LEDs, with some featuring dimming capabilities for added flexibility and further energy savings. The fixtures were carefully chosen for their ease of maintenance and repairability, prioritising sustainable practices over disposable designs. Additionally, batteries integrated into the system are optimised for improved energy consumption, enhanced product reliability, and an extended lifetime, aligning with the project’s focus on durability and efficiency.
