Client brief
Following a strategic approach to decarbonisation across their portfolio, Summit Care Group required a renewable energy solution for The Lodge Care Home in Sheffield. The project brief was to upgrade the facility’s domestic hot water (DHW) system, separating it from the existing space heating infrastructure. The key objectives were to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by targeting the high, year-round demand for hot water, while guaranteeing a robust supply for resident care.
Our solution
Better Planet delivered a powerful, dedicated air-source heat pump system designed specifically for high-capacity domestic hot water generation.
| Element | Specification |
| Heat source | 2 x Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 12kW air-source heat pumps in a cascade arrangement, providing a total capacity of 24 kW. |
| Thermal storage | 2 x Vaillant uniSTOR 500 L domestic hot-water cylinders, delivering 1000 litres of total stored hot water. |
| Controls | Vaillant VRC SensoCOMFORT 720f controller. |
Project success
The new dedicated DHW system provides The Lodge Care Home with significant operational, financial, and environmental benefits.
Resilient hot water supply – The cascade system provides operational security, and the 1000 litres of storage ensures the facility can comfortably meet its high peak demands for hot water, a critical factor in a care environment.
Reduced emissions and running Costs – By using highly efficient A+++/A++ rated heat pumps to handle the entire hot water load, the system delivers major reductions in both carbon emissions and daily running costs for the care home. Solar on site also meant bills were drastically reduced during periods of high generation
Strategic, non-disruptive upgrade – This project allowed the client to take a major step in decarbonising their property by focusing on a key energy load. This targeted approach delivered immediate benefits without the cost or disruption of replacing the building’s entire heating distribution system.
