Energy Centre Programme

The Energy Centre Programme will deliver a new low-carbon and energy efficient heating system (and associated electrical infrastructure), paving the way to a net zero future. 

It includes three new buildings and will end the Museum's reliance on gas fossil fuels for heating. Instead, it will use the latest all-electric water and air source heat pump technology. These new buildings only take up 1.8% of the Museum site's footprint. They are designed to preserve, restore and integrate with the celebrated listed buildings that make up the Museum's Camden site.  

To deliver energy where it is needed, including for future phases of the Masterplan, the Museum will upgrade and install new primary electrical and heating infrastructure (cabling and pipework) across the site. This will be done carefully and in a planned manner to protect operations and the listed buildings.

The area outside the south-east corner of the Museum currently houses temporary portacabins. Landscaping, including trees, shrubs and seating, will revitalise this space, creating a peaceful setting. A green roof on the East Road building will further enhance the site's ecology.  

Path to net zero

The new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems installed through the Energy Centre Programme will:

• End the Museum's reliance on gas fossil fuels for its primary heating system.
• Eliminate the direct carbon emissions produced by existing gas boilers.
• Result in an estimated annual net saving of 1,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide – equal to 3,400 return flights between London and Glasgow every year.  
• Provide capacity for and enable the rollout of more energy efficient infrastructure across the Museum during the rest of the Masterplan and beyond.

Protecting the Museum and the collection

• Updating the ageing infrastructure will reduce fire and flood risk, and dramatically improve the Museum's capacity to deliver energy where it is needed.    
• The new Energy Centre buildings will be designed to integrate seamlessly with and preserve the Museum's architecture.
• Museum infrastructure maintenance will be improved and streamlined, with equipment that is rationalised, more accessible and easier to maintain.  

Significant cost savings long term

• Investing in sustainable infrastructure now will result in significant savings in the long term.  
• It will provide the Museum with increased financial stability, resilience, and value for money by reducing operational costs and avoiding increasing maintenance costs for outdated infrastructure.