Two new community energy projects in Sussex

Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo) are working on two new community funded clean energy projects in Sussex which will bring huge cost savings and carbon emission reductions.

At the Montessori Place School near Uckfield BHESCo are installing an 87kW ground source heat pump to replace their dirty oil heating system, delivering a long-term source of low carbon heat.

This builds on the work that BHESCo began back in 2016 with the Montessori Place School when we installed a variety of energy generating and energy saving measures when the school first opened.

A ground source heat pump works by absorbing heat from deep underground and transferring this to an underfloor heating system inside the school building.

By generating heat in this way BHESCo expect the Montessori Place to reduce their carbon emissions by over 1,000 tonnes during the lifetime of the equipment, while cutting air pollution from particulates, NOx and SOx that are emitted from the burning of fossil fuels.

Over in Lewes town centre BHESCo are working alongside their long-term partners at the Werks Group to re-purpose an abandoned building into a creative space for offices and co-working.

We aim to minimise the environmental impact of the building through a combination of a newly insulated roof, LED lighting and secondary glazing throughout, plus an 11kW rooftop solar panel system.

Both of these projects are to be funded through a community share offer where investors can buy shares in BHESCo and become part-owners of the co-operative and the projects.

borehole drilling ground source heat pump project sussex
Nicholls Boreholes start drilling the first 120m boreholes for the ground source heating project at the Montessori Place. Photo - Rob Gueterbock, Montessori Place School

What are the project partners saying about these amazing new projects?

Kayla Ente, the founder and CEO of BHESCo, said:

“By partnering with BHESCo to reduce their carbon footprint the Montessori Place and The Werks are demonstrating real climate leadership within the Sussex community.

If the UK is to achieve its net zero carbon targets then it is essential for all property owners take whatever action they can to reduce their environmental impact. This is a great opportunity for anyone in Sussex who is concerned about climate change to take action by supporting these important projects”.
Kayla Ente - CEO Founder - Brighton Hove Energy Services Cooperative (BHESCo)
Kayle Ente
Founder & CEO
BHESCo

Ian Elwick, founder of the The Werks Group said:

“The Werks Group is very happy to be able to start a new project in Lewes after a very trying year for everyone. The fact that it builds on our commitment to low energy and low carbon emissions despite difficult economic conditions - shows that if a small company like ours can do it, then everyone can".
Ian Elwick, founder of The Werks Creative - BHESCO project partner the Werks Lewes
Ian Elwick
CEO
The Werks Group

Rob Gueterbock, Head of School at the Montessori Place, Uckfield, said:

“Over the last six months we've seen our school forced to close because of the coronavirus emergency. The climate emergency is just as urgent. With BHESCo’s help we've ditched our two oil-boilers and, when we are fully opened up again in September, the children will return to a school heated by clean, green, renewable energy."
Rob Gueterbock - Head of School - The Montessori Place
Rob Gueterbock
Head of School
The Montessori Place, Uckfield

How our investors make these low-carbon energy projects a reality

As a not-for-profit co-op, we rely on community investment to help fund our projects. Shareholders become members of our co-op and receive 3% interest on their investment*.

We’ve completed 5 community energy projects in this way, and its all down to the belief and s0upport of our investors.

By raising funds from the community, we remove the burdensome upfront cost that can prevent homes, schools, and other properties from installing clean energy measures.

This means that everyone can take part in the great energy transition and begin to power their lives with clean energy and efficient buildings instead of planet warming fossil fuels.

Our ambition is that every resident of Brighton & Hove becomes a member of our co-operative. Together we can truly take control of our clean energy future.

*3% = anticipated rate – your capital is at risk when you invest, so never risk more than you can afford to lose. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. If you are in any doubt you should consult a financial adviser.