with completion of salix-funded decarbonisation project.

The Royal Air Force Museum has celebrated a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions with the completion of a major phase of its decarbonisation programme, supported by £2.4 million in funding through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix Finance.

Representatives from Salix Finance joined the Museum ‘s Senior Team, Estates Team, project partners and contractors at the RAF Museum London on 23 June for a special event marking the completion of the project, including the official opening of the Museum’s new Energy Centre.

Ian Rodger, MEng, MA, CEng MIET Director of public sector decarbonisation, Salix

The investment forms part of the RAF Museum’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2030 and has delivered substantial improvements to the site’s energy infrastructure. The project has replaced ageing heating systems and introduced modern, low-carbon technologies that will reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and help safeguard the Museum’s nationally important collection for future generations.

The new Energy Centre will play a central role in supporting the Museum’s operations while reducing its environmental impact, demonstrating how historic and heritage sites can embrace innovative solutions in support of the UK’s climate ambitions.

Maggie Appleton MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the RAF Museum, said:

“This project represents a major investment in the future of the RAF Museum. By modernising our energy infrastructure, we are both reducing our environmental impact and ensuring that our historic buildings and world-class collections can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.

We are hugely grateful to Salix Finance and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for their support, and to the brilliant partners and contractors who have helped deliver this important programme.”

Ian Rodger, MEng, MA, CEng MIET Director of public sector decarbonisation, Salix:

“It’s always amazing to visit completed projects that we have funded and to hear the stories of the challenges in delivering them and how they were overcome. I saw this project just over a year ago when the works were in progress and it was great to see it finished, operational and the benefits being enjoyed by the visitors to the Museum.

Days like today, where the temperature is in the high 30’s, remind us of the climate change challenge we face in the UK and across the planet, and the fact that we have been able to provide zero carbon heating and cooling to such a significant museum is fantastic. No building should be impossible to help. If we can delivery zero carbon heating to a First World War era aircraft hanger then we can do it anywhere.”

Members of the Museum’s Estates and Senior Leadership Teams
with Members of the Salix Finance Team. 

The project involved collaboration between the RAF Museum Estates Team, Salix Finance and a range of specialist contractors and consultants, combining expertise in heritage conservation, engineering and sustainable energy solutions.

The completion event included a tour of the new facilities, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and an opportunity for project partners to reflect on the achievements of the programme and its contribution to a more sustainable future for the Museum.