Newcastle City Council has teamed up with EQUANS to support with the delivery of low carbon heating and other energy efficiency measures such as solar panels, LED lighting and improving insulation.

The council was awarded £27 million from a government fund to improve the energy efficiency of key public buildings across the city.

Tim Wood, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at EQUANS, said: "We are proud to be working alongside Newcastle City Council as it makes significant strides to reduce the carbon emissions of the city.

"Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, some of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks will be upgraded with high-tech energy and heating systems, showcasing EQUANS' innovative solutions focused on delivering an environmentally-friendly future."

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A new heating system, heat pump, solar panels, new windows and insulation have been installed at the Theatre Royal's Royal House.

YHN House, the Palatine Products building, Fenham Library, Gosforth Pool, Walker Activity Dome, the Pattern Shop and Newcastle Trampoline Park have all been upgraded with heat pumps and solar panels.

Solar panels have also been installed at nine schools while four city centre car parks have had LED lighting upgrades.

Installing solar panels means buildings will be powered by clean, renewable energy, helping to reduce the reliance on expensive energy from the national networks.

Heat pumps are normally three times more efficient than gas boilers, helping to save money and improve air quality.

The council successfully secured the £27m funding through the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Work is currently being carried out at Blandford House, home to the Discovery Museum, Newcastle City Library, the Civic Centre and East End Pool, while a further six schools will also benefit from upgrades.

All the projects are expected to be completed this year.