BRADFORD UNIVERSITY
Low Carbon Retrofit
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Broad Oak CS was appointed by FairHeat to deliver essential retrofit and enabling works across four major buildings at the University of Bradford. The objective: to prepare for connection to the new low-temperature Bradford Energy Network, supporting the University’s journey toward decarbonisation.
Our role included complete construction delivery, from decommissioning to installation and testing of low-temperature hot water (LTHW) systems, ensuring full compatibility with Bradford Energy Network's future-ready, low-carbon heat supply.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The four university buildings included:
These facilities house critical academic and research functions. Previously, heating was supplied via gas-fed plate heat exchangers. The challenge was to modernise and reconfigure the systems for BEN’s low-temperature heat delivery.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Broad Oak CS delivered the following key services:
Stakeholder Coordination to minimise disruption for building users
Decommissioning of outdated heating infrastructure
Installation of new LTHW pipework, risers, and connection points
Commissioning & Testing to verify pressure, flow, and thermal performance
All work was planned and delivered under the Construction Phase Plan, created by FairHeat in line with CDM 2015 regulations.
CHALLENGES &
SOLUTIONS
Sensitive Facilities
With labs and lecture spaces in use, our team collaborated closely with facilities managers to meet strict health and cleanliness standards.
Live Campus Environment
Working around occupied university buildings required strict scheduling. We coordinated works outside core teaching hours and applied containment strategies to avoid disruption.
Split Supervision
With FairHeat operating in a visiting capacity, Broad Oak CS took full responsibility for day-to-day site supervision, safety compliance, and reporting.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
This project highlights Broad Oak CS’s capability in delivering technically complex, future-proof heating retrofit works within sensitive, live environments.
Our collaborative approach with FairHeat and 1Energy ensured both successful delivery and long-term sustainability for the University of Bradford.