- The design includes a thermal-mass heating, cooling and ventilation system (TermoDeck) which stores heat in the fabric of the building during warm weather, to be released during the cold weather. A brief description for TermoDeck is provided below, but for the official TermoDeck website, click here.
- A ground source heat pump provides clean, “free” energy from the ground beneath the sports fields. In the winter, water is taken from the ground via a borehole. Heat is extracted from it and it is then pumped back into another borehole at a lower temperature. In summer, excess heat from the college is pumped into the water so it is returned to the ground at a higher temperature.
- Use of brise soleil (sunshading) systems minimise the need for cooling during sunny periods.
- The building includes systems to collect, store and re-use rainwater.
- High standards of insulation and air-tightness help to keep energy consumption down.
- Low energy bulb and fittings are used thoughout
- A sophisticated Building Management System controls heating, cooling and ventilation systems to provide good working conditions using minimum energy.
- There are facilities to encourage students and staff to cycle or walk to the college.
Termodeck
Termodeck is a very energy-efficient system for providing heat, cooling and ventilation. It consists of long concrete planks, 1.2m wide which are used to form the ceilings of the rooms (and the floor of the room above). Being big, heavy concrete structures, they act as thermal buffers, helping to keep interior temperatures relatively constant. Within the room, the ceiling planks are exposed, with no ceiling tiles or covering. The planks contain hollow cores through which air is pumped, keeping the planks at a steady temperature, as well as being use to ventilate the room. The planks then act as large radiators, keeping the occupants warm in winter and cool in summer.