One of the famous Three Graces and HQ of Liverpool City Council, Cunard Building, is to connect with Peel’s low carbon district heat network. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council says it will connect its Cunard Building headquarters on Liverpool waterfront to Peel’s low carbon district heat network.
Originally built as the headquarters of the Cunard shipping line, the Grade II-listed Cunard Building is one of Liverpool’s famous Three Graces which also include the Royal Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
For more than a decade it has been home to the city council and now, as part of its commitment to decarbonise its estate and operations by 2030, the authority is to connect the building to the heat network built by Peel for its Liverpool Waters development.
Heat networks, common in countries such as Denmark, have been identified by the UK Government as a crucial part of how the UK will reach net zero and one of the most cost-effective ways of decarbonising heating in built up areas.
Using a water source heat pump to heat buildings is three times more efficient than using electricity for heating and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.
This Cunard connection project has secured a grant of up to £1.6m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, facilitated by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
It will cover the costs of connecting the building to the heat network and making necessary fabric improvements to enhance heat retention. The council is also seeking a loan of £268,000 to match the grant and ensure the project’s successful completion.
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One of the UK’s largest water source heat pumps has been installed at an energy centre in Liverpool Waters. This draws water from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and provides heat and hot water via the 6km heat network.
Cunard Building will also be fitted with heat retention enhancements, further reducing energy consumption. The project is expected to save 152 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere every year.
Council leader Liam Robinson said: “By connecting the Cunard Building to the district heat network, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also investing in the long-term future of this iconic landmark.
“We will be helping to reduce carbon emissions substantially and give this historic building the technology to continue functioning for future generations.”