Renewable Retrofit for Linskill Centre North Sheilds to Cut Carbon and Energy Use
Client: Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust
Location: North Shields, North East England
Project Type: Commercial Renewable Energy Upgrade
Property Type: Multi-Use Community Facility
Overview
The Linskill Centre, a much-valued community hub in North Shields, has taken a major step towards energy sustainability and carbon reduction. Operated by the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, the centre now benefits from a powerful combination of air source heat pump technology and an expanded solar PV system — expertly designed and installed by Geowarmth Heat Pumps Limited.
The core aim of the project was to significantly cut carbon emissions, reduce long-term energy costs, and ensure reliable heating for the wide range of spaces used daily by the local community.
The Solution
To meet the heating and power needs of this large, mixed-use building, Geowarmth installed a tailored, hybrid renewable energy system:
• Hybrid Heating System
A cascade of 3 x Mitsubishi Ecodan 14kW air source heat pumps was installed to provide efficient, low-carbon space heating. These units work in conjunction with the existing boiler infrastructure to form a bi-valent heating system — balancing renewable efficiency with guaranteed performance during peak demand.
• Solar PV Array Expansion
To support the increased electricity demand and further reduce grid reliance, 106 x 450W solar panels were installed. This new 47kWp solar PV array complements the centre’s existing solar setup and enables significant on-site renewable energy generation.
Environmental Impact
This renewable retrofit is expected to deliver major improvements in both environmental performance and operating efficiency.
Key Outcomes Include:
✅ Year-Round Efficiency & Comfort:
The hybrid setup ensures high efficiency in moderate conditions while maintaining heating resilience during colder months — using the boiler only when absolutely necessary.
✅ Estimated CO₂ Reduction:
The new heating and solar system is projected to save approximately 23,900 kg of CO₂ annually — supporting the trust’s commitment to sustainability.
✅ Lower Energy Bills:
By maximising on-site electricity generation and reducing reliance on gas, the centre will see long-term savings on energy costs — freeing up resources for community-focused services.
Why Mitsubishi Ecodan?
The Mitsubishi Ecodan range is a trusted choice for commercial buildings due to its:
Scalable configuration, perfect for large-scale installations like Linskill
High seasonal efficiency and strong performance in UK climates
Quiet operation — ideal for community environments
Smart controls for heating optimisation and load balancing
Customer Outcome
Thanks to Geowarmth’s expert installation, the Linskill Centre now operates with:
- A significantly reduced carbon footprint
- Improved energy efficiency across heating and power systems
- A reliable, future-ready renewable infrastructure
This project highlights how even complex, multi-use commercial buildings can successfully transition to low-carbon energy — with tangible environmental and financial benefits.
Partnering with Communities
Geowarmth Heat Pumps Limited is proud to work with community-led organisations like the Linskill Trust, helping them achieve sustainability goals through intelligent system design, high-performance technologies, and a collaborative approach.
Looking to Decarbonise a Commercial or Community Building?
Whether you’re managing a community centre, school, office, or multi-use space, Geowarmth can help you design a bespoke renewable energy solution that delivers measurable carbon savings, lower energy bills, and lasting value.
📞 Contact Geowarmth today to get started on your building’s low-carbon future.