Our aim was to make a building from 1888 more energy efficient, comfortable, and with less emissions using renewable energy and fans.
Heart Space Yoga and Bodyworks
Go To WebsiteAddressed Challenges:
- Air Pollution
- Carbon Emissions
Action Areas:
- Energy
Initiative Purpose:
- Mitigation and Adaptation
The Story
Our building is from 1888. Draughty, high ceilings, single glazing windows. During the cost of living crisis, our gas bills for heat went through the roof, literally. While looking to reduce our carbon emissions and lower costs, we looked at various strategies given the 7 metre ceiling height. With families, young children, and elderly and disabled people using our space, it is important that it is warm and that our costs don’t cause us to fold as a charity. Our space has become warmer straight away, more efficient and easier to adjust based on the needs of the class with spaces heated with renewable energy.
Our building stands in the community with solar panels like a crown on the building showing us reaching for the future while preserving the past.
People have been so positive about the whole experience and delighted that they can benefit from all of the work.
Success & Outcomes
In addition to the space feeling more comfortable and less draughty, we have been able to make use of electric heating generated by solar panels and stored in our batteries. The battery has exceeded our expectation, storing energy during the day to be used in the evenings.
Our technology also allows us to track the units of CO2 saved from electricity generation.
Advice for others looking to do something similar
Working directly with suppliers and getting in person quotes was essential to getting any kind of accurate use. Everything took longer than expected, so as a community space, factoring in the time, delays, and disruption is needed.
Given the visible nature of the improvements, we have spoken to numerous community groups and other venues with high ceilings who have come to see what we have done and the challenges when working at height (the need for scaffolding and courageous workers)!