An innovative solution by Seddon Engineering Services has brought major efficiencies to a college in Staffordshire, without disruption to staff and students during winter.

• Lichfield College, part of South Staffordshire College, has installed a new state-of-the-art heating system encompassing the refurbishment of two plantrooms, radically improving its energy efficiency.
• Seddon Engineering Services supported with a temporary boiler to keep the building warm while replacement works were completed.
• With thorough planning, disruption was kept to a minimum and the College remained fully functional during the works.
• The work had to be undertaken in close proximity to the building’s entrance, an area of high footfall with more than 7,000 students using the site.
• Costing £160K, the project was completed on 31 March and the effect has been described as ‘truly transformational’.

A ‘truly transformational’ efficiency upgrade project has been successfully carried out during the peak winter months at a popular Staffordshire college.

Seddon has installed a state-of-the-art heating system at Lichfield College dramatically improving the building’s energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Lichfield College forms part of South Staffordshire College which has more than 7,000 students.

The project presented major logistical challenges as one of the plant rooms which houses the heating system sits adjacent to College’s main entrance and reception.

Without external access, the Seddon team had to make the most of student and staff break times, ensuring that the building remained fully functional to staff and students, even when the mercury dropped below zero outside.

The project completed on March 31, and the £160K investment has been lauded by the College.

Chris Ashforth, Director of Estates at South Staffordshire College, said: “The work to upgrade two plantrooms at the college has been truly transformational.

“Thanks to Seddon’s hard work, we now have two plantrooms with up-to-date, modern equipment which will see us benefit from efficiencies and reductions in running costs.

“The works did not cause any disruption to staff and students and I have to applaud Seddon’s determination in getting them completed to a high standard and on the timeline agreed. We’re looking forward to working with Seddon on future projects.”

Karl Barraclough, Head of Commercial Energy Services at Seddon Engineering Services, added: “It’s been fantastic working with Lichfield College on the upgrade of their two plantrooms.

“Winter can be a challenging time to carry out works, particularly when heating and hot water systems are being upgraded. Making use of a temporary boiler to maintain a comfortable temperature was essential. We also worked with the College to carry out potentially disruptive works when staff and students were not present and were not on-site.

“Meticulous planning meant we were steadfast in our approach to achieving the results the College wanted, and we are very pleased they are happy with the final result.

“We would like to thank Lichfield College for making us their preferred contractor on this project. We look forward to working with them again in the future.”