Extensive decarbonisation works at Bootle Library are close to completion, marking a key milestone in Sefton's programme to modernise and future‑proof public buildings.

Backed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Public Sector Decarbonisation funding, the scheme has delivered major energy‑efficiency upgrades.

The package includes low‑carbon heating, improvements to the building fabric, and enhanced insulation and glazing. When finished, the measures are expected to cut the Library’s emissions by 16.9 tonnes of CO₂ each year, roughly equal to driving a petrol car about 85,000 miles.

Sefton Council is advancing a wider set of projects approved by Cabinet earlier this year. More than £7 million is being invested in Council‑owned buildings, unlocking a £6,346,987 Combined Authority grant through £1,820,925 of Council match‑funding.

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Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We have been clear on our goal as a Council to be Net Zero by 2030, and the approaching completion of this work at Bootle Library is another important step in towards our ambition.

"As well as the obvious benefits to the environment, it is well worth remembering the benefits to people’s health when we’re emitting less carbon into the atmosphere.

"Add on the financial savings that low-carbon systems provide over time, and you can see how decarbonisation can truly help us all, both now and in the future."

The North West Net Zero Hub has a dedicated Public Buildings team that supports public sector organisations to decarbonise their estates and improve energy efficiency, offering free, impartial advice, practical guidance and technical expertise to plan and deliver heat decarbonisation and energy‑saving measures.

Beyond Bootle Library, the next phase of Sefton's programme could deliver an additional 800‑tonne annual reduction in carbon emissions across up to six more Council buildings, with work due to continue until March 2027.

Funding has also been allocated to repair solar panels at eight Council sites, increasing the use of renewable energy. Early results at The Meadows Leisure Centre show a refurbished solar array installed in 2025 saved more than £8,000 in electricity costs within nine months.