Carrier delivers fast-track AHU upgrades across twelve Scottish schools

Project Overview 

Carrier worked with RSG Building Services to deliver a fast-track programme of air handling unit (AHU) replacements across a group of schools in Edinburgh and Perth and Kinross, Scotland, as part of a multi-site life-cycle renewal strategy. The project formed part of a wider education estate programme to replace ageing ventilation systems that had reached the end of their service life, ensuring continued compliance, improved performance and healthier indoor environments for staff and pupils.

For 2025, air handling was identified as a key priority, with multiple schools selected for ventilation upgrades.

Carrier was appointed to supply replacement AHUs following rapid site surveys across the school estate. Working alongside RSG engineers, Carrier assessed the existing rooftop units and specified direct retrofit solutions to suit each building.

The project included a mix of thirteen new-generation Carrier 39CPX compact AHUs, launched in July 2025 and Carrier 39CPL modular AHUs, selected to match each site's size, airflow and space constraints, while delivering improved energy performance and reliability.
 

The Challenge

The programme was driven by strict life-cycle deadlines and an unusually short lead time. While projects of this scale are often planned over a full year, approvals were not received until late spring, leaving only a narrow window to survey, specify, manufacture, deliver, install and commission all units before the end of the year.

Each school presented different technical constraints. Units had to fit within existing rooftop plant spaces, connect to pre-installed ductwork and integrate with building management systems, while minimising disruption.

Further challenges included:

• Managing multiple individual orders and delivery schedules across sites
• Factory lead times and a summer shutdown period
• Restricted rooftop access at certain schools
• Coordinating installation and commissioning around school holiday periods

One site required a flat-pack unit to be assembled on the roof due to limited access. Carrier’s engineering and service teams supported the on-site rebuild and commissioning of the unit.  

The Solution 

Carrier and RSG worked collaboratively from the outset, completing surveys and equipment selection within weeks. This early engagement enabled the rapid agreement of costs and the prompt placement of orders.

The 39CPX units were selected for applications requiring compact, factory-built solutions with integrated controls, EC fans, and heat recovery in a compact footprint. The 39CPL range was used for larger spaces, providing modular flexibility while maintaining compliance with current air handling and energy standards.

Carrier also supported the programme with coordinated production planning, phased deliveries, logistics management, on-site service support and commissioning teams, ensuring each unit was installed, tested and handed over in line with programme milestones. Factory-fitted controls were integrated with each school’s existing systems, allowing site teams to monitor performance remotely.

The Result

All Perth schools were successfully upgraded within the programme timeframe, with final commissioning completed by early December 2025.

The new systems provide:

• Improved ventilation performance and indoor air quality
• More efficient, modern air handling aligned with current standards
• A reliable platform for ongoing maintenance and future life-cycle planning

“This was a challenging programme with very tight timeframes, but the collaboration with Carrier made the difference. Their technical support helped us to deliver a turnkey project at every site on schedule and to a high standard. Carrier’s expertise, product flexibility and responsiveness helped us navigate tight schedules and site-specific challenges with confidence.”

Neil Cameron, Operations Manager at RSG Building Services