The Facts
Client: Tesco – Stalybridge Store
Duration: 10 weeks
Value: £746,000
Start date: 10th June 2024
PC Date: 20th Aug 2024
Constraints: New ductwork required for the HRUs & ensure the new units would operate quietly enough so as not to disturb local residents.
The Challenge
This HVAC electrification project forms part of Tesco’s wider decarbonisation strategy to remove natural gas supplies from stores, electrify systems and introduce renewable technology.
The Stalybridge superstore is one of the sites identified by Tesco as inefficient and costly to run and Sigma was contracted to undertake the necessary upgrades.
The Solution
Tesco asked Sigma to undertake both the removal of the outdated equipment and the installation of the new electrified HVAC system and ductwork. This included the removal of two gas-fired AHUs which fed the shop floor, two gas-fired HRUs feeding the offices and one gas-fired AHU feeding the bakery, all of which were situated on the roof. Sigma also removed a gas-fired hot water system, capped off the gas and removed the meter.
In place of the existing kit, Sigma was asked to install two new electric AHUs and 16 external R32 ASHPs to provide the heating demands of the shopfloor. In addition, we installed 2 new electric HRUs and new ductwork system which fed the 1st floor and ground floor offices, a new bakery extraction fan and a new electric unvented hot water cylinder and destratification pump in the plant room.
The Result
This HVAC electrification project resulted in improved energy efficiency, upgraded systems and a significant uplift in the store’s EPC rating. The store now has more environmentally friendly AHU and HRU systems together with effective ductwork delivery. At the same time, Tesco can now monitor these units via its new BMS. Sigma has also ensured that future maintenance can be carried out safely. As a result, Tesco is delighted with the impact of the works on decarbonisation and energy efficiency, as well as with the way the project was delivered by Sigma.
Sigma worked with Tesco to provide recommendations that would reduce cost and value-engineer the project where possible. These included:
- The removal of toilet ventilation from the scheme as there was already an extractor in place.
- The removal of a redundant unit which fed the bulk store, which was completed when the crane was on site. This was carried out free of charge.
- Following an acoustic survey, which flagged potential problems with the new ASHPs decibel levels, Sigma recommended the use of acoustic screens. These were subsequently designed and installed.