Education_Refurb_VRV5_Cirencester College Case study
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In the heart of Gloucestershire, Cirencester College has made a powerful statement about its future in recent years, with newly constructed and refurbished facilities that reveal a clear commitment to the green economy. One recent project, the refurbishment of its 1960s era C-Block Art facility, begun in 2022 and completed 1 year later, was more than an investment in infrastructure, it firmly placed sustainability and innovation at the forefront.
Cirencester College learns to embrace sustainability with Daikin’s R32 Heat Recovery System
As part of its wider sustainability strategy, Cirencester College wanted a system that would both lower its environmental footprint and offer enhanced comfort for staff and students.
The design and specification for the new system were developed by Smith Consult, with installation carried out by Envira-Mech Services Ltd., with a clear goal in mind: maximise energy efficiency while integrating seamlessly into the building’s structural limitations. The solution was Daikin’s VRV 5 R32 Heat Recovery system, Daikin’s leading-edge system that uses R32 refrigerant - a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative to traditional gases.
“The College wanted the most sustainable and future-ready system available. Daikin’s R32 Heat Recovery product ticked all the boxes, both from a design and performance standpoint.”
Andy Wright, Director of Envira-Mech
Delivered with care and safety
Installation took place across a nine-month window, from December 2022 through to September 2023, and included all aspects of the system -refrigeration pipework, condensers, fan coil units, condensate pumps, and more. “We ensured full compliance with EN378 standards throughout,” Andy notes. “Our focus is always to deliver systems that not only work efficiently but meet the highest safety and regulatory benchmarks.”
To further enhance quality, Envira-Mech worked directly with Daikin engineers to oversee the commissioning process. “As a Daikin D1+ Partner, we’re proud to be associated with projects that raise the bar. For us, it’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about showcasing what sustainable HVAC looks like when it’s done properly.”
Education through example
The system isn’t hidden away, but fully on show, offering students and visitors a living example of sustainable design in action. “We want our buildings to teach, just like our courses do,” says Paul Watson. “Having a visible, functioning example of best-practice energy technology, Like the HVAC system, encourages students to think differently about tech and the environment.”
Thanks to Daikin’s R32 technology, a strong collaborative design and installation team, and the College’s own commitment to sustainability, the C-Block refurbishment is more than a simple upgrade, it’s a step towards a cleaner, smarter future for this forward-thinking educational establishment.
