Major project to cut carbon on campus
A major environmental project at LJMU’s John Lennon Art and Design Building will save around 188 tonnes of carbon every year.
The university has secured £1.2m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to decarbonise the building and support its ambition to reach net zero carbon.
The highly sought-after government grant is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and is delivered by Salix. It was secured by the Estate Development and Campus Services team who will lead on implementation. The grant is enabling the removal of all gas boilers from the John Lennon Art and Design Building and replacing them with two air source heat pumps which use electricity instead of gas to produce heat.
Moving towards zero carbon
The National Grid has decarbonised by approximately 50% over the last decade as more and more wind and solar power has been added to the energy mix. As the grid continues to decarbonise towards zero carbon, the electricity we use will have a lower carbon impact. Therefore, installing heating systems which use electricity instead of gas will help us to decarbonise.
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics, are also being installed on four areas of the building. This will reduce electricity usage and save approximately 11 tonnes of CO2e annually - this is the equivalent of planting 509 trees each year.
Installing low carbon heating and renewable energy generation technology is a key strand within our Carbon Management Plan and these works support the university’s commitment to decarbonise the estate and move towards net zero.
The project also includes the upgrading of lighting within the building. All remaining fluorescent lights will be removed, and more efficient and sustainable LED lights will be installed alongside improved building management controls.
Temporary building closure
The John Lennon Art and Design Building will be closed for a period over the summer to enable the works to be carried out.
The building will close on 1 June 2025 - except for areas required for the Degree Show, which will remain accessible until the following week - and is scheduled to reopen at the start of September 2025.
Staff and students based in the building will be accommodated elsewhere on campus during this period and will be contacted directly about the arrangements.
