Renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm is embarking on a project in collaboration with Lincolnshire-based renewable energy hub Greenio, that will see William Farr School in Lincolnshire become a truly green school.

The school is undertaking a £900,000 investment to install biomass and ground source heat pump technology which will completely replace its existing gas boiler system. The 16 week project is being led by Greenio, who are installing five biomass boilers, and subcontracting the ground source system to experts Finn Geotherm.

Finn Geotherm is installing two Lampoassa Eli 90 ground source heat pumps at William Farr, linked to around 10,000 metres of ground loop which is being installed underneath a football pitch adjacent to the school. The 180kW ground source system will run alongside Greenio's biomass boilers to generate all the heating and hot water required by the 1500 pupil comprehensive school.

William Farr School has already installed solar panels, LED lighting and intelligent energy control systems. Once this latest project is complete, the school will save more than 300 tonnes of CO2 and generate income and savings of £185,000 per year after the initial investments are paid back.

Andy Stones, head teacher at William Farr School, said: "We are really enthusiastic about the latest project, which is the culmination of three years' determination and drive to create a truly green school. It is something the students here, who have been involved in the process from the beginning, are really passionate about and it makes good financial sense. These projects are helping to secure the school's future by bringing down our costs and generating valuable income for the future."

Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, added: "We are delighted to be involved with this project that has William Farr blazing the trail for educational establishments and renewable energy. It is brilliant to see a school which is so forward-thinking, not only in its approach to energy use and reducing its carbon footprint, but also in securing its future sustainability."

Anna Wooster, managing director of Greenio, said: "I am pleased to be working with some of the leading ground source experts in the country on this impressive project. Finn Geotherm's expertise and inputs throughout the project have been invaluable and I have no doubt that the work will run smoothly in their capable hands."

The eco-technology being installed at William Farr School has been funded using a tailored operating lease which allows the school to stay cost neutral during the repayment period. The biomass and heat pump installation will pay for itself in six years, but generate Government grants and cost savings through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, worth £120,000 annually for a further 14 years.

For more information on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.