Young engineers experience sustainable solutions in real-world scenarios

The Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) young engineers were recently given an incredible opportunity to see decarbonisation efforts first-hand and understand how the building controls sector is playing a vital role.

Highlighting the BCIA’s commitment to fostering connections between academia and the construction industry, the Young Engineers Network (YEN) recently visited the University of Bradford, which is in the middle of a comprehensive £4 million decarbonisation project.     

Funded by a Salix grant, the project is the largest decarbonisation programme the university has ever implemented. The aim of the project is to provide more sufficient heat load to the building while ensuring significant energy saving.

The project focused on updating the old equipment that’s installed in the existing building, such as pneumatic valves and an air compressor in the plantroom, that is providing insufficient heating. In fact, the boiler is around 30-years-old, similar to the old pumps and dilapidated mechanical equipment.

With a real emphasis on innovation and utilising the latest advancements in technology, the university is the first location in the UK to feature Trane Leaf Propane units, which are designed to provide sustainable comfort heating and cooling while using non-ozone-depleting and ultra-low global warming potential refrigerant. 

During the visit, the young engineers were given an inspiring site tour that illustrated the university’s remarkable innovation plans and how they’re applying sustainable solutions in real-world scenarios.

Following the tour, members of staff from the university joined the young engineers in a lively discussion that focused on the importance of industry and academic partnerships and how these can equip future engineers with the experience and skills needed to tackle real-world challenges.

Kate O’Donnell, the UK Business Development Manager at E.ON Controls, said: “We recently had the fantastic opportunity to visit the University of Bradford. The visit gave the young engineers a unique chance to explore cutting-edge research and innovative practices shaping the future of our field.

“This visit left us energised and excited about the future of construction engineering. Let’s keep building these valuable connections and investing in the next generation of leaders!”

Clare Grams, Business and Development Director at Westminster Controls and member of the BCIA Management Committee, arranged the visit. She said: “I approached the university as we are in the process of completing the decarbonisation project for them. I thought it was important for the young engineers to witness true innovation at work. The sustainable solutions being put in place will make a real difference to the university’s energy efficiency and stand it out from other educational facilities.

“Those that took part in the visit have all spoken of their keenness to know more about sustainability practices and how these can work hand-in-hand with BEMS to make a real difference in the future.”