Delivering a low-carbon, offsite-enabled energy centre to support campus growth and resilience
As universities expand, the need for resilient, efficient and future-ready energy infrastructure becomes critical. At the University of York’s Heslington Campus East, a new energy centre was required to increase capacity while supporting long-term decarbonisation ambitions.
Completed in March 2023, the facility enables the University to increase energy supply, flexibility and resilience, while minimising disruption to the live campus environment.
NG Bailey was appointed to deliver the design, construction and installation of all MEP services, centred around a 2.3MW combined heat and power (CHP) engine, supporting both electrical distribution across the campus and the district heating network.
Offsite-led delivery driving programme, quality and safety
A Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach underpinned the project, with over 70% of the building delivered using pre-manufactured solutions.
NG Bailey’s offsite team designed and assembled key elements including plant skids, pipework systems and associated infrastructure in controlled factory environments before delivery to site. This approach significantly reduced on-site labour, improved quality and enabled safer installation, particularly important given the proximity to student accommodation.
Complex components, including large-diameter pipework and CHP infrastructure, were installed efficiently using pre-assembled modules. The use of offsite solutions also addressed buildability challenges associated with large CHP ducting, with dedicated structural frames enabling safe and accessible installation.
Close collaboration with Tilbury Douglas ensured that the building structure was delivered and made watertight ahead of MEP installation, reducing trade overlap and improving programme certainty.
Engineering a more efficient and sustainable energy solution
The energy centre plays a key role in supporting the University’s transition towards lower-carbon energy. The CHP system provides an efficient means of generating electricity while capturing waste heat for use across the campus district heating network.
The facility has been designed to deliver cleaner, more efficient energy, improving overall system performance while supporting future flexibility as energy strategies evolve.
Through the integration of modern construction methods, efficient plant and intelligent design, the project delivers both immediate operational benefits and long-term sustainability outcomes.
Creating long-term value through collaboration and innovation
The project demonstrates the value of early collaboration through the YORbuild framework, enabling stakeholders to align around a shared vision for quality, sustainability and delivery certainty.
A strong focus on social value saw 75% of contracts placed locally, generating £17m of economic benefit within the region, alongside the creation of new jobs, apprenticeships and work placements. NG Bailey also exceeded its apprentice hour targets, further supporting skills development within the local community.
The result is a highly efficient, future-ready energy facility that not only supports the University’s operational needs but also acts as a benchmark for modern, offsite-enabled infrastructure delivery.