Scene was appointed consultant to lead and undertake a study to appraise the feasibility of establishing a low carbon heat and energy generation system centred on the Hornsey Vale Community Centre (HVCC), in Haringey, North London. The study was also supported by the Hornsey Housing Trust (HHT) and Weston Park Primary School (WPPS). Options appraised ranged from individual building-specific solutions, through to large ambition communal heating and energy supply networks. This project was funded by the Community Energy Fund (CEF; phase 1) and the Haringey Community Carbon Fund (HCCF).
Three local energy system scenarios were appraised, with aims to reduce site emissions, reduce energy use and cost, and to improve building fabric:
• A small rooftop PV system with air-source heat pumps throughout the HVCC. This option meets the heating, cooling and electrical needs of the property.
• A maximised solar PV array – on HVCC rooftop. This larger system can supply the needs of the community centre, HHT and / or WPPS.
• A communal heat network – located in the neighbouring Stationer’s Park. This could supply space and water heating to HVCC, HHT and WPPS using ground-source or air-source heat pumps.
Following financial appraisals and a program of community engagement events – a final investment case was compiled. This incorporates technically viable options from each scenario to produce a viable community-supported investment proposal. This option includes a larger solar PV array on the HVCC rooftop, and a series of air-source heat pumps throughout the property. This scenario meets property heat and electrical demand and includes the option for income generation – through the sale of excess energy generated by the larger solar PV system.
As of Spring 2025, Hornsey Vale Community Association are in the process of progressing the selected solution to further funding.