Lorien helps historic Sutton Hoo gain green credentials

Lorien Engineering Solutions, the engineering design and project management firm, has helped the National Trust bring a site dating back to the 7^th century firmly into the modern era with some green energy modifications.

A landmark energy saving project at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, began in 2015 when Lorien completed a feasibility study into low carbon and renewable energy options.

Burton based Lorien then provided design to tender and technical assistance during the build and installation of a new biomass boiler (circa. 200kw), to serve Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty, who instigated the famous Sutton Hoo digs in the 1930s. The house, built in 1910, is now partially open to visitors and also home to four holiday flats.

The biomass system was installed by East Green Energy and is fired by wood pellets. It is set to save approximately 27 tonnes of CO2 per annum against the previous use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

As part of its commitment to renewable energies, Sutton Hoo has also installed 172 high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules on the roof of the visitor centre, in partnership with Panasonic. The panels will generate around 42,000kWh of electricity each year – enough to supply more than 10 average UK homes.

It is expected that the two initiatives combined – the PV panels and the biomass system - will reduce the estate’s consumption of LPG by around 35,000 litres, and save around 55 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.

In 2015 the National Trust announced a four-year, £30 million investment in renewable energy projects at sites around the country, with a target of generating 50% of its energy needs through renewable installations, while reducing overall demand by 20% through efficiency measures by 2020.

Over the last five years, Lorien has worked on more than 80 projects with the National Trust, with a focus on renewable energy systems (heat pumps, biomass, solar and hydro-electric) for Mansion Properties and their wider Estates.  Lorien further specialises in the provision of environmental control, delivering re-servicing, conservation heating and overall building management to both modern and listed buildings.

Lorien is a division of GP Strategies Corporation, a global performance improvement and solutions provider and engineering and technical services organisation headquartered in Maryland, USA.