Heating bill slashed in half, saves £70K!

The Refinery is a purpose-built student accommodation development in Leeds that opened its doors in 2021. This state-of-the-art residence offers a mix of studio and bedroom cluster flats to cater to 407 residents. Managed by Fresh Student Living on behalf of specialist investment company Curlew Capital, The Refinery is more than just a place to stay – it’s a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Kristian Mills, Director of Asset Management at Curlew Capital, plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of properties like The Refinery. He faced a challenge in the initial years of operation when unexpected utility costs arose due to students manipulating heating settings and inefficient energy consumption practices. As a company dedicated to achieving its 2030 net-zero targets, it was imperative to address these issues promptly. Kristian explains, “One of the significant areas we identified for improvement was energy control for heating.”

Seeking a solution to optimise energy usage, Kristian came across Prefect Controls and their innovative Building Energy Management System, Irus, designed specifically for student accommodation. Irus employs control units in each room to monitor conditions and regulate heaters, all managed through a central hub connected to the user-friendly Irus Portal. This system allows for remote monitoring and control, ensuring efficient energy use without compromising resident comfort.

The deployment of Irus at The Refinery has proven to be a game-changer. In the first year alone, the results speak for themselves:

• Heating energy halved from 598,892kWh to 301,910kWh
• Total electricity reduced from 816,064kWh to 575,420kWh
• Proportion of electricity for heating dropped from 73% to 52%
• 50% reduction in energy consumption per bedroom, from 1,464kWh to 738kWh
• Almost £70,000 in savings

Gareth Chaplin, Prefect’s Head of Energy and Sustainability, acknowledges the impressive results but notes the potential for even greater savings as operators further optimise Irus settings and profiles. Kristian emphasises that resident comfort remains a top priority, with the ability to adjust heating levels as needed to ensure a cosy living environment.

Looking ahead, Kristian envisions making Irus the standard specification for all properties under Curlew Capital’s management. The goal is to incorporate this cutting-edge system from the outset, rather than retrofitting older heating systems, to maximise energy efficiency and control.

Reflecting on the remarkable 50% reduction in heating load and substantial cost savings, Kristian expresses his satisfaction with Irus’s performance. He anticipates a return on investment in just over 3 years, underscoring the effectiveness and value of this energy management solution.

To find out more about Prefect Controls and the transformative impact of Irus, visit their website at www.prefectcontrols.com.

This informative article first appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Stay up-to-date on the latest energy management trends by subscribing here.