Grant to transform energy efficiency at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre

Glasgow Life has been awarded a grant of just over £1.5m for important upgrading works which will enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 2 August 2024 10:23

The funding has been granted through Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, which helps public buildings tap into investment for environmentally sustainable solutions.

In line with its climate change action commitment to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045, the Scottish Government made £20m grant funding available within the 2024/25 financial year through Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

The Glasgow Museums Resource Centre grant is one of more than a dozen awarded through the scheme to projects that will replace heating systems with zero direct emissions solutions and retrofit additional measures to improve energy efficiency.

Funding is being delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Scottish Government. Salix delivers funding schemes across the UK to support councils, schools, leisure trusts, arm’s length external organisations and universities to boost their energy efficiency, reduce their impact on the environment and save money.

The £1,521,543 grant is being boosted by capital funding from Glasgow City Council as part of Glasgow Life’s capital programme, taking the value of the investment to £1.9m. Glasgow Life is the charity that leads culture and sport in the city on behalf of the local Council.

The vast purpose-built storage facility and visitor centre in Glasgow’s South Side houses around 1.4 million objects in Glasgow City’s Collections, which are managed and cared for by Glasgow Life Museums. Publicly accessible for free tours and educational talks, the massive building comprises 17 environmentally controlled ‘pods’ which are filled with artefacts ranging from fossils to fine art. Only 2% of the Collections can be displayed at the city’s museums at any one time so the majority of the remaining objects are stored at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

The energy efficiency project at the facility – which will start in August and be completed by the end of the year – is being managed by facilities management and project management advisors CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS).

The works will include the replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps, the installation of solar panels, the replacement of windows, an upgrading of the electrical supply and building management controls, and repairs to minimise heat loss.

Glasgow Life Head of Infrastructure Support, Isabel Brown, said: “The improvements at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre will make a huge difference; we estimate they will enable annual savings of around 156 tonnes of CO2.

“This important project reflects Glasgow Life’s environmental sustainability strategy and ongoing commitment to achieve net zero goals.

“During 2023/24, across our property estate we invested £1.8 million in a wide range of energy-related projects, including the installation of more efficient heating and lighting technologies at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Glasgow City Halls. And throughout 2024/25 we continue to drive forward our energy-efficiency programme, through multiple projects, with a £3.8m investment in sustainability solutions.”

Salix Programme Coordinator, Chris Cain, said: “Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund plays an important role in enabling public sector organisations to transform and decarbonise the buildings that make up their estate.

“Glasgow Life has utilised Salix’s loan funding in the past to achieve significant energy savings and the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre project will only accelerate the organisation’s path to net zero.

“The project showcases the important role of grant funding in unlocking projects across the country that reduce emissions and lower energy consumption while also cutting energy bills to deliver tangible benefits for communities.”

CBRE GWS Managing Director, Oliver Metcalfe, said: “The Glasgow Museums Resource Centre is a unique property asset as it accommodates one of Europe’s most important museum collections, so we are delighted to be supporting Glasgow Life’s estates team on this innovative energy efficiency upgrading project, from concept through to implementation.

“This project will play an important part in contributing significantly to the net zero goals of both the facility and the organisation’s portfolio of estates across the city.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Dishoom Glasgow is officially open... bringing a touch of Bombay mischief to the city

Dishoom has officially opened its doors to the public inside the historic 1877 Glasgow Stock Exchange - and it's already bringing a touch of Bombay mischief to the city.

Flamingo Beach at Silverburn has turned fun in the sun into lasting impact

Following three successful summers, Silverburn has turned fun in the sun into lasting impact, raising an outstanding £139,388 for Glasgow Children's Hospital through its annual Flamingo Beach event.

Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend

Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.

Scottish premiere of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical comes to Glasgow next month

West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, will have it's Scottish premiere at the King's Theatre Glasgow next month!

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile

itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!

Everything you need to know for Glasgow Cocktail Festival

The highly anticipated Glasgow Cocktail Festival, a 10-day cocktail extravaganza, is making its debut this Friday, 29th August, celebrating the best of Glasgow mixology!

Glasgow school mistress takes on new role at Mackintosh at the Willow

A beloved Victorian school mistress, who has taught and terrified generations of pupils during school visits, is carrying on her lessons through Mackintosh at the Willow's school engagement programme.

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025 programme celebrates iconic visionaries

One of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, will celebrate the visionaries that have helped shape the city into what it is today.

Glasgow Life community touring programme full of music, theatre and fun returns this autumn and winter

Glasgow Life's community touring programme will bring musical, theatrical and interactive shows and events to venues across Glasgow in its upcoming season!

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

Glasgow celebrates as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

The Citizens Theatre reopened its doors at the weekend after a 7-year redevelopment welcoming everybody to its Homecoming celebrations.

Cameron House invests in spa transformation

Cameron House, the iconic five-star resort on the banks of Loch Lomond, has unveiled a £300,000 redesign of its award-winning Cameron Spa.

Scream to win your way into the IRN BRU Carnival

Scotland's family favourite and Europe's largest indoor fun fair, the IRN-BRU Carnival, is back for the 2025 season with tickets launching on 28th August at 10am for eager thrill seekers!

Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today

Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.

Monster Jam roars back into Glasgow

Don't miss ramped up fun for the whole family at Monster Jam Ramped Up as Glasgow roars to life, back by popular demand!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers The Play by John Cleese

Joanne Clifton, Danny Bayne and Paul Nicholas are the latest additions to the cast of Fawlty Towers - The Play by John Cleese, which comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in January!

Aldi calls on charities in Glasgow to register for food donations

Aldi is inviting charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up to receive regular food donations from its stores.

Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities

Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.

Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.

Glasgow fitness coach takes on Off the Beatson Track after cancer diagnosis

A Glasgow fitness coach who was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year is set to take on Off the Beatson Track on Sunday, 24th August, with his family by his side.

HARIBO store opening in Silverburn just weeks away

HARIBO UK will open its first ever store in Scotland at Silverburn Glasgow in just three weeks' time, on Tuesday 9th September!

Record breaking year for biggest bagpipe festival in the world

Scotland's annual celebration of bagpipes, Piping Live!, that had over 30,000 attendances last week, ended on Friday with an impressive evening of folk held in one of the city's most notable venues.

VIEVE to return to Buchanan Galleries with four month pop up experience

Cult-favourite beauty brand, VIEVE, founded by Glasgow makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, is making a highly anticipated return to Buchanan Galleries this month.

New Rewards app Shuffle launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow, rewarding diners and backing local hospitality

The first 1,000 people to join will receive six months of free access when Shuffle officially launches, along with an exclusive 40% cash reward on the first use of the app.

Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025

Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.

Inveraray & District Pipe Band take the title of 2025 World Pipe Band Champions

The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships concluded in Glasgow on Saturday with last year’s winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, retaining the top title.

Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies

From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!