Diocese of Guildford starts Viessmann decarbonisation journey across 11 schools
Diocese of Guildford completes first phase decarbonisation journey with heat pump installations across 11 schools
Via school decarbonisation specialist consultancy, ReEnergise, and following a competitive tender process, Viessmann Climate Solutions UK, has delivered 15 heat pump systems to 11 schools within the Diocese of Guildford in Surrey. Viessmann partner, Aston Cord Energy Services Ltd, installed the heat pumps between July 2024 and March 2025.
The units range from the compact 10 kW Viessmann Vitocal 150-A heat pump at Newdigate Pre-School to a 384 kW system using three Vitocal 200-A Pro units at The Priory School in Dorking.
The project is designed to see the Diocese of Guildford take a significant first step towards decarbonising its entire school estate. The move is part of a long-term sustainability programme supported by funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered by Salix Finance.
Jonathan Grist, Commercial Sales Director at Viessmann Climate Solutions UK, said: “It has been great to partner again with ReEnergise, who are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in school decarbonisation programmes. Besides Viessmann’s role as a technology supplier, we’ve enjoyed helping to educate children and staff at the schools in how heat pumps work. “Our customers know we are never far away. Now the heat pumps are installed, we’re continuing to support the Diocese and ReEnergise with remote energy and performance monitoring, ensuring the heating systems are optimised for energy efficiency.”
Simon Hayes, Managing Director at Aston Cord Energy Services said: “Delivering decarbonisation during term time in live school environments brings unique challenges, requiring meticulous planning and execution. I’m proud of the Aston Cord team for their professionalism and adaptability throughout.” Mike Giles, School Buildings & Estates Manager for the Diocese of Guildford said: “With the support of the PSDS, we have taken a vital first step toward our sustainability goals. These 11 installations are just the beginning. The heat decarbonisation plans and first PSDS grant have laid strong foundations upon which we can continue to build moving forward.”
Nigel Aylwin-Foster, Director at ReEnergise, said, “The LCSF and PSDS grant allocation and administration processes are technically and commercially rigorous, such that any education authority will need expert support in developing and submitting credible and compelling applications. It fell to us to support the Diocese of Guildford with their applications, both of which were successful. At ReEnergise, we are proud of our 100% success rate in PSDS applications.”
The PSDS installation of air source heat pumps has provided schools with vital funding to replace outdated, fossil-fuel heating systems with cleaner, more efficient alternatives. For many schools, it has been a great opportunity to make significant progress toward Net Zero, reduce energy bills, improve learning environments for pupils and encourage further pupil awareness of sustainability.
In the future, it is hoped that the project will serve as a blueprint for other educational authorities, Dioceses and trusts embarking on their own decarbonisation journeys.
The 11 Diocese of Guildford schools with new heat pumps are:
- Busbridge C of E Junior School
- Chilworth C of E Infant School
- Crookham C of E Infant School
- Newdigate C of E Infant School
- St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School
- St Matthew's C of E Infant School
- St Peter's C of E Junior School, Farnborough
- St Peter's C of E Primary School, Farnham
- The Chandler C of E Junior School
- The Priory C of E Secondary School Dorking
- Wonersh and Shamley Green C of E Primary School
