Brunswick Estate – Decarbonisation & Refurbishment Project

The Challenge

Newcastle City Council sought to improve the energy efficiency and living conditions of five residential properties in Brunswick, Newcastle upon Tyne. The homes are used to accommodate vulnerable fostered children with complex behavioural and mental health needs, which required enhanced safety measures and careful working procedures to protect both residents and operatives throughout the works.

Our Solution

Blue Leaf Energy delivered a whole-house retrofit solution, integrating multiple energy efficiency measures in line with MCS and PAS2030 standards:

• Replacement of gas boilers with 10 kW Air Source Heat Pump systems, each secured within protective cages.
• Full insulated heating systems including radiators, pipework, and heating carcasses.
• 40.5 kW solar PV installation (5 × 8 kW systems, 20 panels per property).
• Installation of 300mm loft insulation across all properties.
• Associated enabling works, including roofing, groundworks, and electrical upgrades.

A collaborative design phase included technical surveys, heat loss calculations, EPC assessments, and coordination with retrofit specialists to ensure full compatibility with existing building structures.

Funding & Support

This project was supported through Newcastle City Council’s decarbonisation programme. Blue Leaf Energy played a key role in securing essential DNO approvals for both solar PV and ASHP grid connections — a critical step without which the works could not have proceeded on schedule.

The Results

• Up to 68% reduction in residents’ energy bills, improving affordability and comfort.
• 34.25 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually, contributing to Newcastle City Council’s Net Zero commitments.
• On-time delivery in line with the programme schedule.
• Positive resident and client feedback, with all works fully compliant with MCS, PAS2030, and CDM 2015 standards.

Impact

The project not only delivered measurable carbon and cost savings, but also enhanced the safety, comfort, and resilience of homes for vulnerable residents. Newcastle City Council strengthened its reputation for delivering on sustainability and social responsibility commitments, while Blue Leaf Energy demonstrated the ability to manage complex retrofit projects involving multiple technologies, subcontractors, and sensitive resident engagement.