TRVs trim heating bills by 8% at University of Essex

The installation of 350 thermostatic radiator valves in student accommodation at the university of Essex has reduced gas consumption by 8% in the five months since they were installed. That equates to an energy saving of nearly £2000 in a full year. The Oventrop TRVs and matching lockshield valves were installed in the Rayleigh Tower to improve heating control and comfort. When the EU Emissions Trading Scheme comes into operation shortly, the university will be in a good position to trade off ‘carbon profits’, either within its campus or with third parties. The 14-storey building dates back to the mid-1960s. It accommodates up to 169 students and has study bedrooms and a communal kitchen on each floor. The LPHW heating system is zoned to provide temperature control on the four elevations, depending on outside conditions. David Lewis, deputy director of estates management at the university, says, ‘With 130 different nationalities at the university, it is difficult to satisfy the comfort needs for students from so many different climes. With TRVs on all the radiators, all have a choice and are able to control comfort levels in their individual living environments. We have the added benefit of reduced gas consumption.’ Oventrop equipment was chosen by the estates-management team on the basis of previous experience. Other student accommodation on the campus already has Oventrop TRVs, and the selection of the same supplier for the refurbishment of the Rayleigh Tower was a natural progression. The valves are from Oventrop’s Series A range and have liquid heads. They are matched to Combi 4 lockshield valves and were installed by Cooper & Brome of Brightlingsea. sales@oventrop.co.uk