Collaborators and funders
This project is a collaboration between CREW Energy, Repowering London and the Youth Investment Foundation.
Repowering London were originally approached by the centre to reduce its carbon footprint in the face of the climate emergency. They created a project to examine the possibility of refurbishing the existing solar heat panels and installing a heat pump, combined with installing solar PV to turn the community centre into a low carbon exemplar in East London. CREW came on board to complete the heat pump portion of the project, playing to our strengths!
Repowering London were originally approached by the centre to reduce its carbon footprint in the face of the climate emergency. They created a project to examine the possibility of refurbishing the existing solar heat panels and installing a heat pump, combined with installing solar PV to turn the community centre into a low carbon exemplar in East London. CREW came on board to complete the heat pump portion of the project, playing to our strengths!
Technology used
In 2021, we completed a heat pump feasibility study at the Attlee Centre, including a heat loss calculation report and developing the financial model with Repowering London staff. Following further assessment, in August 2024, we installed and commissioned three 14.5-kW at the Attlee Centre, replacing a cascade of gas boilers.
The new heat pump system is predicted to save the centre thousands of pounds per annum on running costs and 16 tonnes of carbon in the first year. We're now moving to phase two of the project, funded by the London Legacy Development Corporation.
This will include a building management system, Hydromx heat transfer solution, destratifier fans for the main hall and UV film for the glass entrance to the building.
We still have some underspend from the original project and we are looking at how we can put some additional heating in the entrance hall, change all the lights to LEDs and install cages over the heat pumps.
The new heat pump system is predicted to save the centre thousands of pounds per annum on running costs and 16 tonnes of carbon in the first year. We're now moving to phase two of the project, funded by the London Legacy Development Corporation.
This will include a building management system, Hydromx heat transfer solution, destratifier fans for the main hall and UV film for the glass entrance to the building.
We still have some underspend from the original project and we are looking at how we can put some additional heating in the entrance hall, change all the lights to LEDs and install cages over the heat pumps.
Additional benefits
By developing a stand-alone project in Tower Hamlets, the partnership aims to showcase the potential of community energy projects to Tower Hamlets Council.
We are excited to work with a charity that owns its own assets, as we believe there is a role for community energy to support similar organisations across London. The Attlee Centre community energy project serves as a positive example of community energy organisations playing to their strengths to create change.
We are excited to work with a charity that owns its own assets, as we believe there is a role for community energy to support similar organisations across London. The Attlee Centre community energy project serves as a positive example of community energy organisations playing to their strengths to create change.
About Attlee Centre
Attlee Centre provides a safe space for children and young people to be themselves and take part in activities that support their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing through the various activities they facilitate. The centre is also used by seniors in the local community who find it difficult to travel to access services. They provide opportunities such as gardening, fitness as well as intergenerational activities, in partnership with other local organisations.
Attlee Centre is a small charity looking to go greener. They already installed solar panels in 2006 as part of their redevelopment project, and want to continue to reduce their carbon footprint, while teaching children about green issues, and well as lowering their energy costs – enabling them to focus their limited funds towards running / delivering services to the community.
Attlee Centre is a small charity looking to go greener. They already installed solar panels in 2006 as part of their redevelopment project, and want to continue to reduce their carbon footprint, while teaching children about green issues, and well as lowering their energy costs – enabling them to focus their limited funds towards running / delivering services to the community.