Decentralisation of District Heating System, Durham University

This project was carried out on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where most of the buildings are listed and where new archaeological discoveries can be anticipated. Cundall undertook a feasibility study to determine the best way of establishing a new boiler plant to serve the buildings around The Palace Green.

The installation work was phased over three summers to minimise disruption to the students and staff of the university. The design works included:

• liaising with English Heritage and the planners to obtain permission for the works (this included several pre-application meetings with the Conservation Officers to discuss various options with them for location of the boiler plant)
• liaising with NEDL Transco and Gas Networks to upgrade the gas and electrical infrastructures with minimum disruption in a congested city centre site
• the establishment of new boiler houses in listed buildings with restricted access
• planning and phasing the works to minimize disruption to the users and city
• the installation of a new site wide building management system
• modification and reinforcement of the existing infrastructure around the site including; water services, electrical supplies and the installation of new heating distribution mains where centralised systems are to be installed
• stripping out of existing systems and associated demolitions including asbestos removal

Overall, the project has been a huge success, providing efficient heating / hot water systems, yet leaving no sign of works on this world heritage site.