North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service

C3 Group supported North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service with a site-wide Feasibility Study for heat decarbonisation at Carlton Lodge. The work was designed to help the team reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve energy performance, and build a roadmap to future grant funding and sustainability.

Project Overview

Future-Proofing Outdoor Education Spaces

C3 Group was appointed to deliver a Feasibility Study for heat decarbonisation at Carlton Lodge, a residential outdoor learning centre in North Yorkshire. The site includes three large accommodation blocks currently heated with oil-fired boilers and electric panels, prompting the need for a low-carbon, future-ready energy solution.

What We Did

Site-Specific Strategy Rooted in Practicality

Our team carried out a detailed energy review and technology appraisal to explore viable alternatives to fossil fuel heating. The project was part of a broader push to cut operational emissions, improve building performance, and unlock decarbonisation funding opportunities.

Scope of Work:

On-site survey of heating systems and building fabric
Demand profiling for heating and hot water based on seasonal use
Appraisal of Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
Conceptual layouts and specifications for low-carbon systems
Capital cost estimates and energy performance modelling
Feasibility report designed for board-level decision-making

The study also considered phased upgrades, activity schedules, and the unique residential use profile of each block.

The Results

A Roadmap to Resilient, Low-Carbon Heating

The feasibility study delivered a clear set of options for decarbonising Carlton Lodge. These were ranked by cost, technical suitability, and impact on operations – giving the client a practical path forward.

Key Outcomes:

Technical and financial roadmap for decarbonisation
Options tailored to seasonal occupancy and usage
Opportunities for phased upgrades to minimise disruption
Board-ready insights to support Salix funding applications

This work now underpins the next stage: developing detailed Heat Decarbonisation Plans.

Work with C3 Group

Want to Explore Low-Carbon Options for Your Site?

C3 Group works with residential, education and leisure providers to deliver practical, costed decarbonisation plans – from early feasibility through to design, funding and delivery.

Let’s talk about the future of your energy strategy.

Get in Touch

Areté Learning Trust

C3 Group supported Ryedale School, part of the Areté Learning Trust (ALT), with a bespoke Heat Decarbonisation Plan designed to reduce emissions, improve energy performance, and unlock capital investment. The strategy enabled ALT to pursue PSDS funding and build a low-carbon future for its estate.

Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust

C3 Group supported Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust (MAT) with tailored Heat Decarbonisation Plans for two of its schools – Malton Secondary and Rufforth Primary. Each strategy was designed to reduce emissions, unlock funding, and provide a clear route to low-carbon, future-ready infrastructure.