Viking Energy Network Jarrow wins award at Association of Public Sector Excellence Awards
The Viking Energy Network Jarrow wins award for Best Climate Action/Decarbonisation Initiative
We’re delighted to see that the flagship energy project Viking Energy Network Jarrow (VENJ) won an award at the Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Awards.
The VENJ, which Desco designed the Mechanical and Electrical services for, won the award for the Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative category at the event. South Tyneside Council’s energy project was up against seven projects by other councils across the UK and was crowned the winner at the event on Thursday 12, September 2024.
The awards recognise the local authorities who have delivered projects to benefit their local communities. There were 17 categories which covered most local services offered by councils including, workforce initiative, building and housing, health and wellbeing and best overall council.
VENJ began operating in October 2023, in a bid to cut annual carbon emissions and provide low-cost, low-carbon energy to a range of council buildings including, schools, high-rise flats and sheltered housing. The network cuts carbon emissions by 1,035 tonnes per year, utilising low-grade heat from the River Tyne and distributing it to connected properties.
A solar farm provides most of the electricity to power the heat pump in the heart of the energy centre, ensuring it runs close to carbon neutral in summer months.
The team behind the network included Colloide Engineering Systems Ltd, Thornton-Firkin, Architectural Base Consultancy Ltd, South Tyneside Council and Border Design Consultants.