Rochdale Road - KERS Energy Recovery

CASE STUDY

Rochdale Road/Manchester

CLIENT
McGoff Group / M&E Contractor: GPL Ventilation / M&E Consultant: Hurstwood Envioronmental
PROJECT DETAILS
234 Apartments / reducing cost per apartment
KERS PRODUCTS
KERS WEATHERBY providing electrical heating and MVHR

The Plan

When Hurstwood Environmental were appointed the M&E Design on this project, they reached out to KERS to include their products in the design and strategy. Planning was submitted utilising the KERS Weatherby HP along with electric radiators and MVHR for Heat Recovery

The client wanted an energy-efficient design that would cut operating costs,support long-term sustainability, but to be achieved within a strict budget. This posed a challenge. Too often, energy efficiency comes with a higher upfront cost, making it difficult for projects to balance sustainability goals with financial constraints.

The Challenge

When McGoff Group set out to build the Downtown Victoria North scheme in Manchester, the brief was bold: deliver an all-electric, highly efficient build-to-rent scheme with electric heating and MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), achieving a high EPC rating (targeting around EPC A-B), while keeping the scheme financially viable.

The Solution

Collaboration, Innovation, and Eco-Sensitive Product Choices

To meet the challenge KERS Innovation partnered with Hurstwood M&E Consultants. Together, they charted a course rooted in an All-Electric System Design. As such, KERS worked with Hurstwood to assist with product selection.

- Heating, lighting, and power systems were specified to run on electricity only -no fossil fuels on site.
- Electric heating technologies (e.g. high-efficiency heat pumps or electric radiators) were selected for their low-maintenance, high efficiency, and compatibility with renewables.

2. Use of MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery)

- MVHR was implemented to reclaim and reuse heat from the outgoing air, reducing heating load and helping maintain stable indoor air quality without wasteful loss of thermal energy.

3. Use of Hot Water Heat Pump

- The Weatherby product (a specific component/product in the system) works alongside the MVHR system to enhance performance—helping ensure efficient heat recovery & reduce energy loss.

4. Eco-Friendly Product Specification

- Materials and products were selected with attention to embodied carbon, durability, and sustainability (e.g. low-VOC finishes, recycled content, high-insulation materials).
- Systems and components having high efficiency ratings, possibly taking advantage of renewable energy sources or being future-ready (e.g. ready for grid-interactive or smart control).
- The KERS Weatherby Heat Pump is an all-in-one hot water heat pump with storage tank. The system is designed to remove waste heat from the external air, converting this to low-cost renewable hot water. Using low energy, this significantly reduces the energy bills for the end user. Being 350% efficient this has improved the overall EPC on the scheme

5. Budget-Smart Design Strategy

- From the start, trade-offs were carefully assessed: where to invest more (envelope, MVHR, high performance windows) vs. where to choose cost-effective yet still green options.
- Close monitoring of costs and specification choices ensured that energy efficiency gains were maximised per pound spent.

The Outcome

The completed scheme achieved a high EPC rating, showcasing excellent thermal performance, efficient systems, and low predicted energy consumption. By adopting an all-electric approach including electric heating, MVHR, and the Weatherby product the development dramatically reduced reliance on fossil fuels. This not only cut carbon emissions but also aligned the project with future regulatory trends towards net-zero carbon.

In operation, the building delivers tangible benefits for residents and owners alike. Energy bills are lower thanks to efficient systems, while operational maintenance requirements are reduced because simpler electrical systems replace complex dual-fuel or fossil-fuel solutions. Importantly, the project was delivered within the client’s budget, proving that strong environmental credentials and high performance can be achieved without overspending when early planning, close collaboration, and the right product choices are in place.

CASE STUDY

Rochdale Road/Manchester

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