OCS delivers future-proofed sustainable energy centre design and build

The team completed an 18-month project to design and build a new energy centre that utilises waste heat, a solar array, ambient, and district heating networks. OCS, formerly FES FM and Support Services “OCS”, was part of the focused programme to provide heating solutions in an efficient way for the Red Tree Magenta building. The project has the potential to supply future developments and provide low-carbon cooling solutions.

Furthermore, Clyde Gateway appointed OCS as the principal contractor to design, build, and commission the new facility. Clyde Gateway is an urban regeneration company focused on improving communities in Glasgow’s East End and South Lanarkshire. A significant aspect of their work involves physical regeneration projects; for instance, the remediation of the Shawfield site. This initiative includes developing a new multi-plot commercial area and establishing a Green Regeneration Innovation District (GRID).

Sustainability

The ultimate intent of the D2 GRIDs PV scheme is to supply energy generated from the grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems to the Energy Centre. It uses a centrally located 400kW PV array linked to a Battery Energy Storage System.

The system charges using surplus energy generated by the PV scheme. It enables the use of previously stored energy instead of importing power from the grid.“​

Solar PV generation is estimated at 372,582 kWh annually, avoiding approximately 86,650 kg of CO₂ emissions each year.

Pre-fabrication

A purpose-built manufacturing facility prefabricated the new Energy Centre. This approach ensured that workers completed bulky construction tasks in a safe, secure environment and delivered the components to the site ready for connections.

Challenges

A major achievement was pulling over 100m of pipework for the ambient loop through the existing smart bridge. We completed this complex task seamlessly. This process involved collaborating with the city council and local businesses on traffic management plans. As a result, road closures were required for both the ambient loop network installation and the delivery of the prefabricated Energy Centre itself.

Working in partnership

OCS worked with the client’s NEC supervisor to develop a proactive problem-solving plan. Identifying and addressing problems ahead of time was crucial to maintaining a successful partnership. Open dialogue supported the smooth running of the whole project. Moreover, it is now an approach OCS uses on all new projects.

Designers from Hulley & Kirkwood  joined the project from the outset to ensure its successful delivery. Additionally, the client’s design team from architecture and engineering specialists, Rambolls, joined the project giving the team at OCS a fresh approach that enhanced the overall quality of the project, creating a final project that truly stands out.

Community Benefit

As part of OCS’s commitment to community benefits, D2 GRIDs hosted five Prince’s Trust students on a practical electrical installation course. This gave students hands-on experience related to what they were learning.We also supported Clyde Gateway’s FUNSTEM programme. Team members attended several school project events focused on renewable energy education.