Extensive premises that have had different uses can have complicated heating needs, so understanding how the buildings are used is fundamental to energy efficiency. Belmont Abbey, just outside Hereford, is a good example. The abbey is home to a small monastic community and a guesthouse, including a large commercial kitchen dating from the site’s use as a school.
The monastery, guesthouse and church have separate multiple-boiler heating circuits but the electricity and gas are on single meters so it’s not possible to monitor energy use on each circuit. With estimated gas use on the high side we recommended sub-meters and smart meters to monitor whether consumption matches the needs of each area of the site; for example, the church only needs to be warm when in use during winter so while its boilers are fairly new some may be surplus to requirements.
The guesthouse’s old and inefficient boilers, however, were an obvious priority for replacement; new condensing units here would save the abbey around £3,300 a year. And with the kitchens in daily use, efficiencies here like smart sensors in fridges and replacing worn-out hobs with induction versions, can take a tasty chunk out of catering costs too.
