Carbon savings at Max Perutz Building

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is currently being installed in the Max Perutz Building in our City Campus.

The pumps being used are new, cutting edge technology which are air to water source heat pumps. The pumps use electricity instead of gas to produce heat which will help us to reduce our emissions.

Over the last decade, the National Grid has already decarbonised by approximately 50% as more renewable energy 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.  

Due to the essential operational requirements of the building for the scientific research undertaken, some of the gas boilers will remain in the building as a back-up energy source. These boilers will only be used in the event of a power failure and the ASHP will be the primary heat source for the building. This installation will save around 50 tonnes of carbon each year, which is around a 60% reduction.

Supporting decarbonisation at LJMU

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 aims to increase campus biodiversity through planting around the fencing that encloses the ASHP. Plants will include native climbers such as common honeysuckle which is an important pollinator species.

The works are currently ongoing and are estimated to be completed by mid-August.