Brymec is supporting M&E specialist Re-Gen to deliver a new heat pump heating system and energy-saving upgrades to residents at the Ernest Dence Estate in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The council has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 (twenty years ahead of the UK national target). As part of this strategy, the Ernest Dence estate refurbishment project includes the installation of a new communal heating system based on a state-of-the-art water source heat pump. The 95 homes on the estate will also have other improvements such as extra loft insulation, new heating controls, and updated windows.

Brymec’s ability to ensure timely deliveries to the site was particularly important because residents remained in their homes while Re-Gen’s team carried out the work. Re-Gen Contracts Manager, Gary Beacon says: “Guaranteed next-day a.m. deliveries were essential when working on occupied residential installations, something that we can rely on Brymec to fulfill.”

The project poses several challenges that Re-Gen has addressed, including the fact that the Ernest Dence social housing estate, situated near the south bank of the Thames, was built between 1933 and 1938 (during the works, a previously undocumented World War Two bomb shelter was uncovered).

Much of the heating plant and equipment in the building was over 25 years old and beyond economical repair. This included the existing heating, hot water, and cold-water services for residents, which were also over 30 years old, with water cylinders under-sized for modern use.  

Brymec supplied a range of products to Re-Gen as its team worked on the project, including the Brymec copper press-fit system for water or gas. This has been designed to make installation easier and safer, with an easy-to-use press indicator system that’s also backed up by a built-in leak detector, providing extra system protection.  Other products supplied by Brymec included phenolic blocks, valves and cold-water meters.

Gary adds that working with the Brymec team meant they received great support: “We have built up a good relationship with our local branch, and we know we can depend on excellent service and competitive prices.”

Jake Harvey of Brymec says: “We are delighted that we have been able to play our part in delivering this important refurbishment project in Greenwich. It is important to our team to know that we are helping our clients overcome challenges by providing dependable and reliable service and high-quality products.”

The upgraded heating and hot water system installed by Re-Gen will not only ensure greater comfort for Ernest Dence residents, but the heat pump technology will also deliver more than 5,000 tonnes of CO₂e savings over 25 years.

Key Facts

Location: Greenwich, London

Project Timeline: Sept 2021 - June 2022

Approx. Project Value: £2M

Client: Re-Gen Ltd

Product Selection

• Copper Press-Fit
• Frese PIRV & Lockshield
• Unlined Pipe Clamps
• Phenolic Blocks
• Copper Press male Union - Conical Seal
• Lever Ball Valves 1/4 Turn Compression