North Lincolnshire Council has secured £3.5 million to improve energy efficiency across three major public buildings. The funding will go towards new low-carbon heating systems, lighting upgrades, and building fabric improvements at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe Central Library, and Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre in Barton-upon-Humber.
Heating these council buildings produced over 3,000 tonnes of CO2 last year, accounting for nearly 40% of the council’s direct emissions. Most of the heat came from natural gas, biomass, and oil systems. The upgrades will replace some of the oldest and highest-emitting systems with ground or air source heat pumps to cut carbon emissions and reduce running costs.
The funding comes from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Works are expected between late 2025 and early 2028.
This follows earlier environmental efforts by the council, including installing solar panels on several public buildings. The Baths Hall already has 360 solar panels, saving an estimated £15,000 a year on energy bills while reducing emissions by 24 tonnes annually.
The council aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
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