Cotswold Energy Group (CEG) has completed a £1.4 million decarbonisation project of Gloucestershire police stations.

CEG, a division of South Coast Insulation Services (SCIS Group), worked alongside Gloucestershire Constabulary to secure funding through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support decarbonisation efforts across multiple sites, including Stroud Police Station, Coleford Police Station and the Tri-Service Centre in Quedgeley.

The heart of the project focused on replacing outdated fossil fuel boilers with bespoke renewable systems, deploying air source heat pumps to maximise energy efficiency.

Jon Bonnar, managing director of CEG, said: "Asbestos identification and removal were key challenges, requiring meticulous planning and execution to minimise disruption to building occupants and their critical operations. Throughout the projects' eight-month undertaking, all three sites remained fully functional, a testament to comprehensive planning and robust stakeholder collaboration."

CEG's approach mostly reused or repurposed existing infrastructure, to ensure sustainability, cost-effectiveness and a minimum of excess waste materials.

A large solar array was integrated into the Tri-Service Centre, alongside the strategic use of one-pipe system infrastructure - granting better control over heating in the buildings.

It is hoped the solar array will generate savings of £23,500 pa year. The project across the three sites is expected to deliver annual carbon savings of 230 tonnes.

Mandy Gibbs, environmental manager at Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "The bespoke design of the systems for each building very effectively met our needs, in particular in Stroud where an inefficient, outdated internal heating system has been replaced by one that provides comfortable and controllable conditions for the officers and staff."

Jon Bonnar said: "The successful completion of this decarbonisation project showcases CEG's commitment to energy efficiency, innovative solutions and strong collaborations. The project contributes heavily to Gloucestershire's environmental goals; delivering energy efficiency upgrades that are both carbon and cost-efficient."