Itchen College, Southampton

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Supporting BREEAM Excellent ambitions

Step Energy has played a key role in the ongoing redevelopment of Itchen College in Southampton, supporting the project’s ambition to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

The new teaching and sports building replaces five inefficient temporary classrooms and provides modern, energy-efficient learning space. A central feature of the development is a 64-panel solar PV array designed and installed by Step Energy. The system is expected to generate 27.17 MWh of clean electricity each year, cutting CO₂ emissions by 5.25 tonnes annually while reducing long-term energy costs for the college.

Our scope of works included:

Our team delivered a full end-to-end solar PV solution to support the client’s sustainability objectives, including:

  • Survey & Design: Conducting detailed desktop and site surveys to create a PV system aligned with the client’s sustainability and BREEAM objectives.
  • Design Development: Working collaboratively with the structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to deliver a coordinated and safe design.
  • Material Selection: Specifying durable, reliable products to ensure long-term system performance.
  • Approvals: Managing liaison with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and submitting a fully compliant grid connection proposal.
  • Programme Planning: Coordinating with the site team to integrate a phased installation approach with key construction milestones.
  • Construction Delivery: Overseeing installation with full health and safety management throughout the construction phase.
  • Handover: Independent inspection hosted with the DNO protection officer, alongside provision of O&M documentation, certification, and client training.
  • Post-Construction Support: Aftercare and monitoring to confirm system performance.
  • Client Advice: Guidance on export arrangements to reduce payback time and maximise system income.

Long-term energy savings

The new solar PV system at Itchen College is projected to deliver substantial financial and environmental benefits, including:

Estimated monthly bill savings: £433.24
Lifetime energy bill savings: £161,567+
System payback period: 4.9 years
Annual CO₂ reduction: 5,250 kg

Sustainable construction in education

This project highlights Step Energy’s expertise in delivering renewable energy solutions for education buildings, combining solar PV design, installation, and aftercare to support both carbon reduction and cost savings. By integrating seamlessly with the construction programme, Step Energy has provided a system that will help Itchen College meet its BREEAM Excellent rating while supporting the UK’s wider sustainability and decarbonisation targets.