Buildings across Calderdale are set to benefit from major energy improvement works, using grant funding of over £5million.
Calderdale Council has secured funding of £5.1million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to replace fossil fuel gas heating systems in four Council-owned buildings, with low carbon heat pumps.
Inefficient heating systems will be replaced by air source heat pumps at the Grade II* listed Halifax Borough Market, Grade II listed Victoria Theatre in Halifax and Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool. Ground source heat pumps will be installed at Brighouse Swimming Pool.
Heat pumps are more energy efficient than gas boilers because less energy is needed to deliver the same level of heat. Using electricity, rather than gas fuel, to operate the heat pumps results in significantly lower carbon emissions. The new equipment will also be more reliable, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
The government-funded Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and delivered by Salix Finance. It offers money through a competitive bidding process to public sector organisations to encourage decarbonisation. The Council will contribute over £800k to support the work, which will be completed over the next three years.
The funding will also provide upgraded heating distribution systems to reduce energy consumption whilst supporting comfortable temperatures within the buildings, new LED stage lighting in the theatre, as well as a sub-station at the market and new electrical connections and capacity upgrades at the pool sites.
Previous funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has enabled the Council to cut energy use at Bankfield Museum, Spring Hall, Brighouse Library and Art Gallery, Halifax Town Hall, Manor Heath Jungle Experience, Todmorden Market Hall and Todmorden Sports Centre.
Replacing gas systems at the four buildings, which are some of the borough’s highest gas consuming sites, will save around 640 tonnes of carbon per year, supporting the Council’s ambitious targets to achieve net zero by 2038, with significant progress by 2030.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Across the borough, we’re looking at how we can reduce the carbon emissions associated with our buildings, this includes the installation of low carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps.
“It’s great news that we’ve been successful in securing such significant funding to replace the ageing gas systems at four more of our sites. As some of the buildings with the highest emissions, the work will support our journey towards net zero and future-proof their systems.
“The upgrades will also complement the Future High Street improvement works at the market and theatre. Upgraded facilities at both sites are improving the visitor experience and the energy efficiency of these buildings, whilst also respecting their important heritage.”
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger, said:
“We’re delighted to work with Calderdale Council on this ambitious scheme installing energy efficiency measures at much-loved and popular buildings.
“Climate change is on our doorstep, and we have no time to stand still. This work will play a significant role in reducing the carbon emissions of these buildings as well as making them more comfortable buildings to use.”
For more information about climate action in Calderdale, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan(external link)
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