The Citadal,
Stromness, Orkney

AHW Building Solutions / Orkney Housing Association
Case Study

Renewable Energy Case Study - The Citadel, Orkney

Case Study Background:

Terry O'Hara, MD of AHW provides some background to the installation of renwable energy at The Citadel housing development at Stromness in Orkney: "With high levels of air-tightness, it is imperative to get the moisture out of the building and replace it with fresh air in a controlled way that doesn't undermine energy efficiency. As Ecoliving showed us, this challenge was solved by the Swedes in the early 1980s with the development of heat recovery heat pumps which recover about 50% of the heat within the home, upgrades it via the refrigeration process and delivers heating and hot water as well as whole house ventilation. This is the solution we chose from innovative Swedish manufacturer NIBE and the result is a healthy, very comfortable indoor climate."

Case Study Details:

Property Facts:
  • 15 new affordable homes of 85m2
  • design and build
  • off-site SIPs pod construction
  • high levels of insulation and air-tightness
  • completed Autumn 2006

Heat Demand:
  • 3 kW approx

Case Study Outcome:
Winter 2006/2007:
Average bills for heating, hot water and ventilation were £12/week during the coldest period Dec - Feb.



Heat Pump Facts:
Installed in each home:
  • NIBE Fighter 360 Heat Recovery (air to water Heat Pump)



Energy Saving:
  • 5,000 - 6,000 kWh/year (approx 45%)

Client Feedback:
Sally Inkster, Chief Executive of Orkney Housing Association commented: "The project has enabled us to provide good quality, environmentally friendly homes to 15 households in an area which was badly in need of new, affordable housing. The project fits in well with our Sustainability Poilcy."