Mark Group

Southfields Special School

February 2008

The Customer

Southfields Special School in Wokingham, is a residential school for disadvantaged children.

The Challenge

Southfields already had a Solar PV (Solar Electricity) system installed and with funding secured through the Low Carbon Building Programme (Phase 2), wanted to find other suitable renewable technology solutions, to help them become even greener.

The Solution

Working in partnership with Landmark Energy, Mark Group surveyed the School and its residential wing to establish what sort of technology might be suitable. Mark Group’s recommendation was for the installation of a Solar Hot Water (Solar Thermal) system, as it would complement the Solar PV system already in place and suit the day to day needs of the School.

Before work began, representatives from Mark Group visited the School to talk about the children about the new technologies and installation processes. Mark Group then went on to install two Worcester Bosch FKC solar panels on the roof of the School’s residential block, angled to capture sunlight for the maximum amount of time each day.

Installation work was carried out over February half term, so there was no disruption for the students.

The Benefits

Up to 16 students could be accommodated in the residential block on a weekly boarding basis, and the system installed supplied hot water for the shower facilities, reducing heating bills by up to 40%.

The School was also able to use the installation for educational purposes, raising awareness of environmental issues amongst the students.

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