ACC Liverpool Group Gets Funding for Net Zero Progress
The ACC Liverpool Group has secured funding in its latest stride toward achieving Net Zero status by 2030.
The operator of iconic venues such as the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool, and convention centre has been granted £1.4 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, facilitated by Salix Finance.
Liverpool City Council, as the campus owner, will receive the funds from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
This allocation is part of Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, where 180 public sector entities are being awarded funding for heat decarbonisation and energy-efficient projects. The financial infusion will be directed towards replacing the hot water boilers in the arena and adjoining convention centre, which were initially installed in 2008, with air-sourced heat pumps.
The project's estimated impact includes a direct reduction of over 4,200 tonnes of carbon emissions throughout its lifespan, along with diminished operating and maintenance expenses.
Eddie dos Santos, the Director of Operations and Venue Management at The ACC Liverpool Group, remarked, “Our Social Value Impact Plan, introduced in 2021, emphasises environmental sustainability and climate action. We have already made significant strides across the campus through various initiatives and are dedicated to enacting numerous changes to enhance the sustainability of the events we host, benefiting both organisers and attendees. This project will enable substantial carbon emission reductions from existing equipment and lower our annual operational costs.”
As part of its commitment to sustainability in the events sector, The ACC Liverpool Group has already taken numerous measures. These include signing the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, setting a Net Zero target by 2030 in alignment with Liverpool City Council, achieving the Green Meetings Silver award from Green Tourism, and becoming the first large-scale UK conference venue to join isla—an independent industry body supporting the transition to a net-zero future for the events sector.
The organisation, which recently implemented LED lighting campus-wide, is dedicated to maintaining zero-to-landfill status, supporting the development of super low-carbon events, and reducing single-use plastics.
Liverpool City Council, the campus owner, has nominated The ACC Liverpool Group for the funding to install the proposed development before the year's end, with no disruption to scheduled events.
Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson, who oversees Liverpool City Council’s Climate Action and Net Zero initiatives, expressed his satisfaction with The ACC Liverpool Group’s earnest commitment to decarbonisation and operational improvement. He stressed the significance of every endeavour toward carbon reduction, underscoring the responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Simon Pettett from Salix Finance shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Salix is thrilled to support this project and collaborate with the city council on its decarbonisation journey and pursuit of net zero. This effort will yield substantial carbon emission reductions and enhance the comfort of these buildings for their occupants.”
Tom Griffin, Managing Director of CorEnergy, the company implementing the project, added, “Following a close collaboration with The ACC Liverpool Group over the past year, CorEnergy is pleased to continue our partnership to advance its journey towards Net Zero. The project serves as a remarkable demonstration of how a multi-technology approach, encompassing LED lighting, controls, and air-sourced heat pumps, can yield significant carbon savings and reduce energy expenditures.”
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Source: ACC Liverpool
