Largest tower block gas removal project in UK underway

A pioneering project to install sprinklers and ground source heat to 364 flats in Sunderland has launched – involving what is thought to be the largest gas replacement in high-rise tower blocks in the UK.The project – called Core 364 – is being delivered by Sunderland-based Gentoo, with its regeneration partner, Engie, as part of a £9m investment in the tower blocks.Residents in Gentoo’s seven blocks are set to benefit from significant energy bill savings as a result of uniquely heating both their home and water with renewable heat from the Earth’s core.The move, which aims to maximise the fire safety of these seven tower blocks, comes as part of Gentoo’s announcement earlier in the year that outlined a new £300m investment in its existing 29,000 homes.Modernisation work will also see Gentoo upgrade the fire alarm and smoke detection systems in each of the blocks, as well as the installation of a state-of-the-art sprinkler system that will take the number of Gentoo’s tower blocks with sprinklers to eight blocks.Andrew McIntosh, regional managing director at ENGIE, praised a “great partnership” with Gentoo.