Hive Group, working in collaboration with CPS, was appointed to design and deliver a fully electric heating solution for The Triangle Building in Cambridge.

The project formed a key part of the building’s wider decarbonisation strategy, with a clear objective to eliminate fossil fuel reliance, enhance operational resilience, and significantly improve overall energy performance. The works were delivered while the building remained fully occupied, requiring meticulous planning, stakeholder coordination, and phased implementation to ensure uninterrupted service to tenants throughout the programme.

The existing gas-fired plant and associated infrastructure were fully decommissioned and removed as part of the works. This included legacy boilers, distribution pipework, and gas services throughout the building. The transition from gas to an all-electric heating strategy was carefully managed to avoid downtime, with temporary measures and sequenced changeovers implemented to maintain continuous heating and hot water provision. The successful removal of the gas infrastructure marked a significant milestone in the building’s journey toward net zero carbon operation.

A new Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system was designed and installed at roof level to provide low-carbon heating to the entire building. Locating the plant on the roof introduced structural, logistical, and acoustic considerations, all of which were addressed through detailed engineering assessments and coordination. Crane lifts were undertaken during controlled periods to minimise disruption, and structural reinforcements were incorporated where necessary to accommodate the new plant loading. The ASHP system was configured to optimise seasonal efficiency and integrate effectively with the existing building distribution network, delivering reliable and energy-efficient performance.

To support the new heating infrastructure, a purpose-built rooftop plant enclosure was constructed to house pumps, buffer tanks, hydraulic separation equipment, and associated controls. The enclosure was designed to provide weather protection, acoustic attenuation, and safe maintenance access while maintaining a clean architectural appearance in keeping with the building’s profile. This dedicated plant space ensures the long-term durability and serviceability of the new system.

To enhance system resilience, a backup electric boiler was installed to provide supplementary heating capacity during periods of peak demand or maintenance. This additional layer of redundancy ensures operational continuity and safeguards tenant comfort, reinforcing the robustness of the building’s fully electric strategy.

The completion of the project has enabled The Triangle Building to operate entirely without on-site fossil fuels, significantly reducing operational carbon emissions and improving overall system efficiency. As a direct result of the upgrade, the building achieved an EPC A rating, enhancing both its environmental credentials and asset value. The project stands as a strong example of how complex low-carbon retrofits can be successfully delivered within live commercial environments through careful planning, technical expertise, and close collaboration.