Liverpool’s historic Cunard Building to run on low‑carbon heat as city council cuts emissions

Work is now well under way to expand the Mersey Heat District Heat Network to Liverpool’s historic Cunard Building, marking a major step forward in the city council’s plans to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and secure a more resilient energy future for the city.

Following earlier announcements made last year, Liverpool City Council has now moved into the delivery phase of the project, with detailed designs completed and enabling works progressing to allow the landmark waterfront building to switch from gas-fired boilers to a low carbon heat supply.

On Tuesday, Cabinet will be asked to approve funding for the next stage of design and works for the project.

This includes alterations to the buildings heating system to make it compatible with the district heat network, allow removal of the gas boilers and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity to offset increasing energy costs.

The Cunard Building is one of the Council’s biggest carbon-emitting properties. Connecting it to the district heat network is a key step towards meeting the Council’s net zero by 2030 commitment, reducing the Council’s emissions by over 330 T CO2e per year.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, the project is expected to improve air quality, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and support the development of heat networks across the city. It also demonstrates a practical approach to decarbonising large, heritage buildings – providing a blueprint for similar buildings across the city and throughout the UK.

In addition to the heat network connection, the project will deliver energy efficiency improvements such as the installation of solar panels on the roof of the building, subject to a structural survey, helping to manage ongoing energy costs and strengthen resilience against volatile global energy markets.

The scheme forms part of Liverpool’s wider approach to sustainable infrastructure, decarbonisation and clean growth. As one of a number of key cities nationally participating in the Government’s heat network zoning pilot, Liverpool is helping to shape how low carbon heat networks can be rolled out at pace in dense urban areas, supporting energy security while cutting emissions and improving air quality.

Once complete, the Cunard Building will operate entirely on reliable low carbon heat from the district network, alongside on-site renewable generation, helping to stabilise energy costs over the long term while delivering improvements on air quality.

The project is supported through a combination of council investment and government funding and forms part of a growing network of low carbon energy infrastructure.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Connecting the Cunard Building to the Mersey Heat network is a powerful demonstration of how Liverpool is taking practical, ambitious action to secure a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

“This project protects one of our most important historic buildings while significantly reducing its carbon footprint, cutting air pollution and reducing exposure to volatile gas prices. It shows how we can future proof our city, support climate action and lead by example.”