Before the project, schools in Hounslow were responsible for 67% of the Council’s carbon footprint across their estate. Legacy infrastructure and gas heating across schools and other public buildings would make it impossible to reach the Council’s Net Zero goals by 2030. In 2020, after securing a £19 million grant from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Asset+ began its project to decarbonise buildings and reduce energy consumption in schools and corporate buildings across Hounslow.

The scheme was rolled out to 61 properties, including schools and corporate buildings, switching from gas boilers to air source heat pumps, installing solar panels and implementing LED transformation. The technology has been installed at schools such as Heathland School and Rosary School, as well as in leisure centres in Brentford and Isleworth.

As a result of the project, carbon emissions across Hounslow’s schools and public buildings dropped by 50%. This reduction in energy use translated to a 50% reduction in cost, with on-site energy production and the use of LEDs able to offset the increase in electricity use. To date, Hounslow saved over 17 million kWh per energy across its corporate and school sites, equating to over 3,000 tonnes of carbon.

In addition to helping councils work towards net-zero goals, the scheme works with the local community to provide permanent jobs for local residents and protect public sector organisations from the drastic increase in utility bills. The decarbonisation scheme is delivered on top of an award-winning partnership between Asset+ and Hounslow Council.

“Partnering with Asset+, and later Johnson Controls, has brought benefits to our entire public estate,” said Charles Pipe, Energy Manager at Hounslow Council. “With schools representing over two-thirds of our estate’s carbon emissions, cutting these by 50% is a huge step towards our net-zero goals. The electrification of our buildings sets a great example for our local area and we look forward to working together closely until we complete the project.”

David Lloyd, head of connected energy performance UK&I at Johnson Controls commented: “In a sector where every penny counts, supporting energy and cost savings for councils is vital. Squeezed by ever-increasing fuel bills and the rising cost of living, being able to offer a reduction in energy consumption and costs can be a lifeline for councils. Through the use of our technology, we will also continue to educate and inspire the next generation of Hounslow citizens on the importance of protecting our environment. We look forward to moving onto the next phase with Hounslow Council and working with more London boroughs to help them achieve their net-zero goals.”