Mitchell Library set for £2m upgrade to clean heating system

One of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings is to receive a £2 million-plus upgrade to its heating system, thanks to the Scottish Government.

Money from the Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund will help replace the gas boiler at the Mitchell Library – which is one of Europe’s largest public libraries – with a system of highly efficient air and water source heat pumps.

It is one of 10 projects receiving grants totalling £12 million, being awarded to help public sector buildings cut their energy bills and their emissions.

Schools, libraries and council buildings are to benefit, the Scottish Government said, with the money paying for improved insulation, new windows and solar panels, as well as replacing gas and oil systems with greener alternatives.

Climate Action and Energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “Reducing emissions and making our buildings greener is one of the most important steps we can take to tackle climate change, and is a key action in our recently published draft Climate Change Plan.

“I have seen first-hand the hard work and commitment of the public sector to transform Scotland’s buildings by taking action to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of public buildings, like the Mitchell Library.”

She said the public sector is “leading by example”, and the projects being funded “show the scale of ambition on our journey to net zero”.

She continued: “By investing in clean heating and energy-saving measures now, we are not only reducing emissions but also lowering energy costs for years to come.”

Andy Taylor, facilities manager at Glasgow Life, which runs libraries along with culture and sports centres in the city, said the funding for the Mitchell Library is “a significant step for our charity and for Glasgow in the city’s journey towards net zero”.

He added: “We’re committed to achieving low-carbon infrastructure that protects our cultural heritage and enables Glasgow Life to deliver valued public services more sustainably.

“This project proves that large historic and complex buildings can be decarbonised at scale while remaining in public use, as we strive to create a greener, more energy-efficient Glasgow for generations to come.”