How green is the Palm House?
How green is the Palm House? A visit to Sefton Park Palm House will certainly show you that it looks very green, with its lush abundance of tropical growth and Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust has been digging a bit deeper.
Entrusted with ensuring that Sefton Park Palm House has a sustainable future, the Trust wants to take positive steps to meet the challenges of climate change with its inevitable impacts on resources, the environment and the economy. Working closely with the Energy Monitoring Team at Liverpool City Council, the Trust has launched its energy saving plan. Keen to make a difference, the Trust has initiated the installation of LED lighting saving over 60% on the existing system. Impressed with their vision, Heritage Tourism Improvement Scheme have supported the Trust’s investment with a grant.
Elizabeth-anne Williams, Director of the Trust, says: “The listed building heritage of the Palm House gives us an interesting challenge, but we believe it is important for us to embrace the changes that will come so that we can build in better sustainability and know we are making a contribution to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Over the longer term the Trust hopes it can leverage yet more funds to support the Council’s commitment to renewable and alternative energy sources. Having set the example, the Trust are also keen to get the message out to its visitors. The forthcoming Environment Day on Wednesday 26 August will see a range of eco-activities from workshops for children making beastly bugs out of recycled materials, to learning about the escapades of the young RSPB Wildlife Explorer Group and other intriguing fun and games from National Museums Liverpool and Underwater Street. Starting at noon, the event is free to all.
Liverpool City Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Cllr Berni Turner added: “As this is Liverpool’s Year of the Environment we’re encouraging everyone to make that extra green effort this year.
“I’m delighted that the Trust has taken up the challenge and installed LED lighting which will really make a difference – not only to their energy bills but also to the environment.
“I hope as many people as possible take part in the Environment Day and enjoy all the eco-activities that are on offer.”
