Energy Solutions in Action.

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Ystradowen Village Hall:
A Case Study in Sustainable Community Retrofit

Overview

A comprehensive energy upgrade at Ystradowen Village Hall has delivered a significant step toward net-zero operations. With funding from the Welsh Government Communities Fund, the hall underwent a major retrofit including the installation of air source heat pumps, new radiators, electric systems, and the removal of gas infrastructure.

A single-story beige building with multiple windows and a ramp entrance, surrounded by a grassy area and parked vehicles. Overhead, the sky is partly cloudy.
Spacious, empty room with wooden flooring, fluorescent lighting, windows with curtains, and chairs stacked in the corner.

Project Goals

Improve the energy efficiency of the building

Replace aging infrastructure (e.g., heating, roof)

Transition away from fossil fuels

Enhance comfort and usability of a vital community space

System Upgrades

Two air source heat pumps were installed at the rear of the building, operating as an integrated system with a central controller.

Noise levels from the new system were noted to be impressively low — a key win for a public building.

P3 radiators replaced all legacy units to ensure efficient heat delivery at lower flow temperatures.

The gas boiler and cooker were removed. The kitchen and hot water systems are now fully electric, reducing ongoing maintenance and safety checks.

Funding & Rationale

The project qualified for grant funding due to its focus on decarbonisation and community benefit.

Rather than simply replacing an aging boiler, the scope and ambition of the retrofit helped secure financial support under broader energy efficiency criteria.

Parking lot with several cars in front of a single-story building, surrounded by green grass and a small blossoming tree, under a cloudy sky.

Community Benefit

The village hall is a well-used community hub, hosting activities year-round via an online booking system.

Users now benefit from a warmer, quieter, and more cost-effective building.

Reduced running costs are expected to free up resources for additional community initiatives.

Results

A rising bar chart with four bars and an upward arrow, ending in a star at the top.

Estimated system efficiency is now >70% — a major improvement from previous performance.

A stick figure person with arms raised and three stars above their head.

Feedback from users and stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding comfort and noise reduction.

Conclusion

The Ystradowen Village Hall project showcases how targeted investment in renewables and building efficiency can futureproof a community asset. The project not only upgraded critical infrastructure but also aligned with national goals for decarbonisation — making it a blueprint for similar rural and community-driven retrofits.