Hampshire County Council

Cavity Wall Insulation

INTRODUCTION


Hampshire County Council received funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to improve energy efficiency across 28 independent schools. TF Energy successfully completed cavity wall insulation works with a project cost of £600,000, finishing in March 2023. The project aimed to minimise heat loss, lower energy consumption, and support government "Net Zero" goals while navigating the challenges of working in live school environments with vulnerable children.

Project Challenges

Heat Loss Issues

School buildings were experiencing significant heat loss through external walls, creating cold spots, damp areas

and condensation build-up in classrooms.

Excessive Energy Costs

Many schools reported running heating

systems at maximum capacity throughout most of the year, resulting in substantial monthly energy bills.

Uncomfortable Learning

Environments

Despite constant heating, teachers and pupils were working in cold, damp conditions with noticeable draughts. Some rooms had been repurposed as

storerooms because they were too uncomfortable for regular use.

Working in live school environments during term time presented additional logistical challenges, particularly in special schools with vulnerable children. Many buildings also required fabric improvements and repairs before insulation could be installed effectively.

Solution & Implementation

Collaborative Planning

TF Energy developed a tailored installation

process for each school, scheduling work at times that minimised disruption to educational activities. Pre-start meetings were held with head teachers, site managers, council project managers and TF Energy representatives to coordinate all aspects of the work.

Safety Protocols

Daily health and safety toolbox talks were conducted throughout the project. All risk assessments and method statements were

strictly followed to ensure the safety of students, staff and installation teams.

Technical Implementation

Eco Bead cavity wall insulation was installed using formulated drill patterns by highly skilled, qualified installers. Various access methods were employed including ladder work, mobile

towers, scaffolding and cherry pickers to accommodate different building configurations.

Quality Assurance

Audit inspections were carried out by product designers (Instabead) and 25-year guarantees were issued by the IAA for all insulated schools. The project was completed within agreed timeframes and budget, with comprehensive making good of all working areas including repairs to brickwork, guttering and foliage.

Cavity wall insulation proved to be an excellent measure to maximise heat retention, minimise heat loss and create warmer environments for teachers and pupils, while allowing schools to redirect funds towards educational resources.