A MAJOR cross-party project to make Worcester’s historic Guildhall more energy efficient could deliver the city council an annual saving of £12,000.
Labour’s Coun Lynn Denham, Conservative Coun Roger Knight and the Green Party’s Coun Louis Stephen led the project to find ways of cutting energy usage at the Grade 1 Listed building.
The plans have now been given the green light by the city council’s policy and resources committee and £96,000 is set to be spent on draught-proofing, insulation, new lighting and more.
The Guildhall currently uses 207,000 kWh of electricity a year, costing £25,557, and has a gas bill of £12,132 for 431,015 kWh.
Running the historic 18th Century building also has a significant environmental impact, with 151 tonnes of CO2 emitted every year.
The city council’s property consultants, Place Partnership Ltd, took inspiration from energy-saving measures installed at historic landmarks like the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster in London in drawing up plans for the Guildhall.
Steps have been taken by the city council’s conservation officer, Paul Collins, to make sure the historic fabric and character of the much-loved public building is not spoiled.
As part of the energy saving scheme, draught-proofing of windows and insulating of roof spaces will be carried out. The existing fluorescent lights will be replaced with more efficient LED lights and lighting sensors will be installed, so the lights are only on while someone is in a room.
In a joint statement, councillors Denham, Knight and Stephen said: “The Guildhall is the jewel in Worcester’s architectural crown and it is fantastic that we have found ways to bring this beloved building into the modern age. This project is a great investment in the future of the building. These improvements will cut the Guildhall’s running costs, more than covering the upfront investment, and reduce its environmental footprint while ensuring its beauty and history is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
“Thanks go to the city council’s conservation officer, Paul Collins, for his guidance and help.”
