The installation of the energy station at Eton College is helping Graham to reduce its carbon footprint and manage power demands
Graham was appointed to complete the Eton Sports and Aquatic Centre (ESAC), the first phase of the college’s capital development scheme to improve indoor sports facilities for its 1,300 pupils.
A 78-week construction programme commenced in July 2020 and will see the creation of a 25m indoor swimming pool with diving facilities and a moveable floor, a multi-sports hall, as well as spectator and changing facilities.
The college, which is a preeminent Windsor-based boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18, is renowned for its forward-thinking approach. Across its vast estate, the school has invested in sustainable features and measures.
For example, a ground source heat pump was installed at Bekynton which provides sustainable heating to the Jafar Gallery and Hall, Elliott Schools, Lyttelton Schools and Birley Schools.
Demonstrating its own “green credentials”
Graham has partnered with renewable energy specialists, EnviroTech Energy Management, to devise a bespoke energy management plan that aligns the construction programme with Eton’s environmental ethos.
Among the principal priorities was access to a viable alternative energy source, and a solution was identified in the installation of an EnviroTech Energy Station.
The interior is much more than a storage area. Lined with reflective metallic insulation, it houses complex, integrated components that harness and streamline energy production.
The energy station provides an uninterrupted, continuous power supply to the site, with the capacity to flexibly meet variations in demand. And no generators are required to make up for any potential shortfalls in the permanent supply required for running the site.
It is estimated that cost savings of around 35% are achieved from the utilisation of the night-time off-peak tariff, plus the associated savings in generator hire, fuel and maintenance costs.
Promote sustainable energy technologies
Graham senior project manager, Neil Douglas, said: “We are motivated to adopt and promote sustainable energy technologies, which is a core reason why we partnered with EnviroTech to introduce the Energy Station to our operations at Eton College.
“Of course, we also recognise the emphasis the college places on environmental performance.
“The Energy Station has delivered more than just a reliable, consistent energy source. It also allows us to seamlessly ramp up and down our energy requirements based on the demands of a particular day.
“The benefits are clear to see and are making our lives easier. Noise has been significantly reduced in comparison to previous construction sites I have been responsible for, while the reduced air pollution is a real advantage.
“I am excited to see the compiled data and metrics, and the positive environmental impact, that will be recorded at the end of the programme.”
