Introducing smarter performance and quick energy savings at the University of Bristol
At the University of Bristol’s Synthetic Chemistry Building, a critical 24/7 research facility, the challenge was clear: modernise an evolving building management system while unlocking meaningful energy savings and operational efficiencies.
With infrastructure dating back to 1998 and having developed over time, the university identified an opportunity to bring the system up to modern standards, improving visibility, control, and long-term performance.
Works commenced on 30 January 2025, with a core delivery period of approximately three months, followed by advanced energy optimisation works in July 2025.
The opportunity
This wasn’t just a system upgrade—it was a chance to transform how the building operated. Key objectives included:
- Futureproofing control systems through modern, reliable infrastructure
- Driving down energy consumption in a high-demand environment for energy savings
- Improving operational clarity across a complex laboratory setup
The challenge
Delivering results in a live research environment required precision:
- Tight shutdown windows on essential plant
- Limited documentation across a system that had evolved over decades
- Equipment located in hard-to-access areas
- The need to fully understand and optimise a complex system
Our approach
We delivered a full upgrade to the Trend IQ4 platform, chosen for its proven reliability in critical environments.
But we didn’t stop at the upgrade, we:
- Re-engineered control strategies to reflect real-world operation
- Gained control of the fume cupboard system, a key energy driver
- Developed a clear description of operation to improve usability
- Introduced a bespoke Energy Manager page for real-time insight into performance and savings
Results
The impact was immediate, measurable, and sustained.
Fume cupboard extract areas 1 & 2 (MCC4) performance:
- Projected annual consumption reduced from 289,734.5 kWh to 219,402 kWh
- ~25% energy savings achieved without changing setpoints, maintaining 24/7 operation
- 23% reduction in run hours vs previous year (10,922.25 kWh saved)
- No complaints or alarms recorded
Fume cupboard extract areas 3 & 4 (MCC5) performance:
- Projected annual consumption reduced from 339,707 kWh to 305,022 kWh
- ~10.2% energy savings achieved without changing setpoints, maintaining 24/7 operation
- 22.35% reduction in run hours vs previous year (14,631 kWh saved)
- No complaints or alarms recorded
Overall outcome
Within just four weeks of monitoring, the system was performing consistently and continues to deliver results seven months later.
Notable outcomes include:
- 22–23% reduction in energy consumption across the system
- Approximately £31,000 in savings across two MCC panels
- Stable performance with no airflow alarms
- Optimised fan operation with accurate staging and pressure control
Why this project stands out
This project demonstrates what’s possible when technical expertise meets a proactive, solutions-led approach.
By fully understanding the building and working collaboratively with the client, we:
- Transformed system visibility and control
- Delivered significant, proven energy savings
- Restored confidence in a critical research environment
Going forward
The Synthetic Chemistry Building now benefits from a system that is:
- Modern, compliant, and future-ready
- Fully automated and clearly understood
- Delivering ongoing energy savings and cost savings
Client feedback – Charlie Hykel, University of Bristol
“I was incredibly happy with the work achieved. I felt that Kendra understood the brief of what was required from the university, going above and beyond to achieve this. The energy manager page has been incredibly beneficial in demonstrating the improvements to running costs. The outcome is a big achievement, with the system operating compliantly, under full automatic control and with proven energy savings.”
Looking to achieve energy savings?
If you’d like our help modernising legacy systems, improving efficiency or unlocking hidden performance gains, email info@kendraenergy.co.uk and ask to speak to a Kendra expert in your region.
