A new 2,000m² garden centre at ByPass Nurseries has achieved an EPC rating of A, exceeding its pre-construction target through the adoption of a low-carbon HVAC solution built around the Powrmatic Eeco-X air source heat pump.
The development, delivered by Bentley Building Contractors, and installed by Green Future Energy was designed with strict energy performance requirements from the outset, with a minimum EPC rating of C specified at pre-construction stage. By integrating a high-performance building envelope with an advanced heat pump system, the project has significantly surpassed expectations.
At the centre of the scheme is the Eeco-X R32 air source heat pump from Powrmatic. Five 30kW units were installed to provide complete heating and cooling, delivering a fully electric alternative to traditional gas and oil systems. With a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.49, the Eeco-X offers high levels of efficiency, helping reduce operational costs while supporting long-term decarbonisation.
Designed with both new-build and retrofit applications in mind, the Eeco-X provides a practical solution for commercial spaces such as garden centres looking to improve EPC ratings. Its suitability for SBEM-driven projects makes it particularly effective in meeting pre-construction compliance targets, while also offering a clear pathway for existing buildings transitioning away from fossil fuel heating.
The system’s compact and modular design proved especially beneficial on this project, where external space was limited. Multiple outdoor condensers were installed neatly within a single area, demonstrating the flexibility of the Eeco-X in constrained environments without compromising performance.
Alongside the HVAC system, the building benefits from a fabric-first approach. Constructed over a nine-month programme, it achieved an airtightness result of 0.69 ACH, a strong performance for a commercial steel-framed structure and one that approaches Passivhaus levels. This significantly reduces energy demand and enhances the efficiency of the installed heat pump system.
“This project was driven by a clear ambition to deliver a highly sustainable commercial building, and discovering the Eeco-X solution from Powrmatic was key to achieving that. The system played a major role in helping us meet and exceed the EPC targets, while integrating seamlessly into the overall design.
Achieving an airtightness result of 0.69 ACH is a strong performance for a commercial steel-framed building and reflects the high standards and attention to detail from the whole team. While just outside formal Passivhaus thresholds, it demonstrates that the building is performing at a level very close to those standards, which is a fantastic result for a project of this scale.”
Aaron Lennox, Bentley Building Contractors
The installation was delivered by Green Future Energy, specialists in low-carbon and renewable technologies, working closely with Powrmatic to ensure an efficient and streamlined installation process.
“From the outset, this project was driven by the EPC requirement, and the Eeco-X made it easy to meet and exceed those targets. Bentley Building Contractors delivered an incredible building to such a high standard, with real attention to detail from Aaron and the team. It’s a highly efficient, well-designed system that was straightforward to install, and we’re pleased to have discovered it. We look forward to more projects with Powrmatic and Bentley Contractors.”
Rick Plant, Green Future Energy
Further supporting the building’s sustainability strategy, 100 SolaX solar PV panels were installed, capable of generating up to 31kW of electricity. This allows the heat pump system to operate using renewable energy during peak periods, reinforcing the project’s low-carbon credentials.
With increasing pressure on commercial buildings to improve energy performance and move away from fossil fuels, this project highlights how solutions like the Powrmatic Eeco-X can support both new-build compliance and retrofit strategies, making it an ideal choice for garden centres and similar large retail environments looking to achieve higher EPC ratings.
Own or operate a garden centre and looking to decarbonise while reducing energy costs? Complete the form below to arrange your free site survey with Powrmatic and discover how the Eeco-X air source heat pump can improve your EPC rating, lower running costs, and future-proof your building.
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