In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives are more critical than ever, Ingleton Wood has successfully delivered a landmark Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) project for one of England’s most significant stately homes - Audley End House and Gardens which is in the care of the charity, English Heritage.
This project underscores Ingleton Wood’s commitment to innovative and sustainable engineering solutions, marking a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.
Project overview
Audley End, a historic estate located in Saffron Walden, required a comprehensive energy solution to meet its modern needs while preserving its heritage. The Audley End HVO project is part of English Heritage’s ambitious Climate Action Plan. The charity, which cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites, aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions from the use of energy at relevant sites, and the vehicles it owns and leases, by 2035. The multi-million-pound project will see fossil fuels replaced with renewable energy through the installation of technologies such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.
The challenge was to replace the existing heating system with a more sustainable alternative without compromising the estate’s architectural integrity.
Ingleton Wood’s team conducted a thorough assessment of Audley End’s existing heating infrastructure and carbon footprint. This process looked across multiple buildings over the site covering the building fabric and services.
Initially, focus was given to the outbuildings at Audley End, including The Cambridge Lodge, The Gardeners Office, and the Cart Yard; all of which are currently heated using traditional oil boilers. Our proposals included independent air source heat pumps, a larger site water source heat pump or independent HVO boilers. This comparison focused on capital cost and carbon emissions, with the aim to target the best value carbon saving (£/tonne of carbon). HVO provided the best carbon saving and lowest capital cost.
After extensive research conducted by our in-house engineers, Ingleton Wood proposed the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO); a renewable heating oil alternative that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
As this is an English Heritage site, after careful consideration, they opted to install an HVO boiler at the Cambridge Lodge as a trial to establish whether it is something they would like to roll out to other sites.
What is HVO?
HVO is produced from waste vegetable oils through a hydrotreatment process, making it a sustainable and cleaner-burning fuel.
HVO boilers can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (by as much as 90% in some cases), and they should improve air quality as they emit less particulate matter.
Challenges and solutions
One of the primary challenges was ensuring that the switch to HVO did not impact the historical and aesthetic value of Audley End. Ingleton Wood’s engineers worked closely with heritage consultants and the estate management team to design modifications that were both effective and non-intrusive.
Results and impact
The successful implementation of the HVO project at Audley End has resulted in substantial environmental benefits:
- Carbon footprint reduction: Cambridge Lodge has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, contributing to national and global sustainability goals.
- Positive public perception: Audley End’s commitment to sustainability has been well-received by the public, enhancing its reputation as a forward-thinking heritage site.
Conclusion
Ingleton Wood’s HVO project at Audley End is a testament to the Practice’s expertise in delivering innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. By integrating modern technology with historical preservation, Ingleton Wood has set a new standard for energy projects at heritage sites. This successful project not only showcases the potential of HVO as a viable renewable energy source but also reinforces Ingleton Wood’s role as a leader in sustainable engineering.
Thank you to all parties involved in this project; which would not have been achievable without your collaboration, dedication and hard work.
As the world moves towards greener solutions, Ingleton Wood continues to pave the way with projects that balance sustainability, efficiency, and historical preservation.
The Audley End HVO project is a shining example of how collaborative discussion and innovative thinking, combined with expert execution, can create lasting positive impacts on both the environment and cultural heritage.