200 Grays Inn Road

The objective

The building's energy systems had reached the end of their life. The aim was a full upgrade, removing all gas-fired boilers and existing chiller units in favour of air source heat pumps.

What we delivered

Energy centre

Four air source heat pump units (ASHPs) were installed, serving the chilled water (CHW) and low temperature hot water (LTHW) systems. Two brand new plantrooms housing thermal stores were also installed, including four primary and secondary pumps, two buffer vessels and a plate heat exchanger.

Distribution

All chilled water and low temperature hot water pipework was renewed, including five new chilled water and low temperature hot water risers. Chilled water generated by the four air source heat pumps is distributed across the roof and routed down the risers to the air handling units (AHUs) on every level, down to the basement.

A new low temperature hot water system provides heating throughout the building. Heated water is routed from the roof-mounted heat pump plant through the buffer vessels and associated pumps to the distribution network, serving the air handling units via the risers.

Pipework

New pipework connections were installed to 30 existing air handling units, with their heating and cooling coils replaced as required. Heat meters were fitted to all 30 units to monitor heat consumption. Existing soil vent pipes and condensate pipework were also replaced as part of the mechanical works.

Public health

Eight floors of cast iron drainage were installed, alongside a new boosted cold water service, new pump sets and Cat 2 and Cat 5 supplies.

Programme and the team

The works were delivered over 18 months within one of London's major news broadcasting buildings. One of the main challenges was meeting a demanding programme in an occupied, live broadcasting building. With broadcasting starting very early in the morning, activities had to be carefully planned and coordinated to minimise noise and avoid disrupting the building's operations. Flexible working, including day shifts, overtime and night shifts, was needed to meet the programme.

The project began with a team of 10 operatives, growing to a workforce of around 40 as the workload increased. Despite the challenges of an occupied building, noise restrictions and multiple shifts, progress was maintained and the building remained fully operational throughout.

The outcome

The recently completed project incorporated several improvements to enhance the building's energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Heat meters on the air handling units give better visibility of heating performance, helping the building's operators monitor energy use and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

The new air source heat pumps provide more energy-efficient heating by extracting heat from the outside air, reducing reliance on conventional heating and offering the potential to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Overall, the works were designed to improve the building's energy performance, give better monitoring and control of its heating systems, and support more sustainable operation, all while meeting the requirements of a live broadcasting environment.