Reducing energy and carbon emissions: Clade supports David Lloyd Clubs’ decarbonisation strategy
By
Tim Rook, Chief Markets Officer, Clade Engineering Systems
David Lloyd Clubs’ Harrogate site in North Yorkshire recently underwent a major heating system refurbishment, replacing its existing gas boiler plant with a low carbon air source heat pump solution from Clade Engineering Systems. The aim was to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable heating and hot water provision throughout the club.
Decarbonising a complex leisure facility
David Lloyd Clubs is investing heavily in reducing the carbon footprint of its estate and selected its Harrogate club for a major heating system upgrade. The site’s goal was to reduce carbon emissions by 254 tonnes annually while ensuring there was no disruption to members and no reduction in heating or hot water performance.
The Harrogate club presented an interesting challenge from both an energy and operational perspective, with substantial and continuous heating demands generated by facilities including a swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, sauna, steam room and fitness studios.
Planning for success
Following completion of the initial feasibility study, we developed the project through to RIBA Stage 4, producing detailed technical drawings, specifications and heat load calculations for the retrofit installation.
One of the key considerations during the planning phase was minimising operational noise due to the site’s proximity to local housing. To address this, we incorporated acoustic fencing into the design and adjusted the controls strategy to further reduce sound levels during night-time operation.
Improving efficiency through intelligent heat pump design
To decarbonise the site and achieve the targeted carbon savings, we installed two Clade Rowan R290 commercial air source heat pumps, each capable of delivering 240kW at a 60°C flow temperature, even in ambient temperatures as low as -5°C.
To optimise operational performance and minimise unnecessary energy consumption, the installation continuously monitors multiple pipework points alongside five buffer sensors to prevent short cycling and maintain smooth, efficient operation.
Retrofitting rather than replacing
A key part of improving the overall sustainability of the project was retaining as much of the existing heating infrastructure as possible. Following assessment, we found that the existing air handling units, radiators and pool heat exchangers remained in good condition and could be successfully integrated into the new low carbon heating system.
By reusing these assets, we reduced installation costs, minimised disruption on site and avoided unnecessary waste going to landfill.
Importantly, the existing gas boilers remained operational until the new system had been fully commissioned, ensuring the club could continue operating normally throughout the installation period.
Delivering ongoing performance
Following project completion, responsibility for the installation transferred from our construction team to our service division, which continues to provide remote and on-site support to ensure long-term operational performance.
Six months into operation, monitoring data shows the system is achieving a Coefficient of Performance (COP) between 2.5 and 3.2, in line with the original design expectations.
The project demonstrates how refurbishment projects can successfully transition away from fossil fuel heating while improving energy efficiency, reducing operational carbon emissions and maintaining high levels of comfort and reliability for building users.
Clade Engineering Systems is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of natural refrigerant air source heat pumps for commercial & industrial use. clade-es.com.
