The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales has completed a major decarbonisation project with support from the Welsh government's Energy Service.
This year, the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon, Torfaen has been working to replace outdated gas heating systems with low carbon technologies.
Part of a wider commitment to reduce emissions in listed buildings, the project also focused on improving building insulation across the heritage site.
The museum has replaced multiple natural gas boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps across key areas, for example the shop, café, conservation workshop and waiting room.
It has also upgraded the building fabric, including loft insulation improvements and external lime rendering to enhance thermal efficiency.
Additionally, EV charging infrastructure has been introduced for the museum's fleet.
Reducing emissions in heritage buildings
These improvements will significantly reduce carbon emissions across the estate, with the museum planning to integrate more renewable technologies in the future.
More widely, the project provides a replicable model for decarbonising heritage and listed buildings in Wales without compromising their historic character.
"The buildings, collection items and immersive experience that we deliver at Big Pit certainly appeals to the public," said Brian Lewis, head of Big Pit at Museum Wales.
"In the past, coal has been produced on this site to an industrial scale but now we’re looking at a future where the total power and heating will be supplied purely by renewable technology."
Earlier this year, the Big Pit National Coal Museum debuted a transformed reception and retail experience following a six-month redevelopment.
Big Pit is part of Amguedffa Cymru – Museum Wales, a charity and a family of seven national museums and one collections centre located across Wales.
Images courtesy of Amguedffa Cymru – Museum Wales
