Historic Cornwall building improved for staff and community through low-carbon investment
Photo credit (main image): Cornwall council
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is helping Cornwall Council preserve its Grade II listed Chi Aberfala building while cutting carbon emissions, reducing energy costs and creating a warmer, more sustainable public space for future generations
Cornwall Council has transformed its historic Chi Aberfala building in Falmouth through investment from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – delivering energy-efficient upgrades set to benefit teams, residents and future generations while protecting the building’s heritage.
The funding, delivered by our team at Salix, is helping the council deliver a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment for both employees and residents while protecting one of Cornwall’s treasured historic buildings.
Originally built in the early twentieth century, Chi Aberfala is a landmark Grade II listed building that continues to play an important role in the local community. Today it serves as a multi-purpose hub providing council services, adult education and family support.
Our team recently visited Chi Aberfala to see first-hand how investment is breathing new life into the site.
Programme Manager Bea Morrison said: “Visiting Cornwall and seeing this project in person has been incredibly inspiring. This beautiful historic building demonstrates that heritage and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
At Chi Aberfala, a £131,006 Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant has supported the council’s maintenance programme to deliver more low-carbon and energy efficient changes to the building.
The improvements include air source heat pumps, secondary glazing, LED lighting, loft insulation and a Building Energy Management System (BEMS). Together, these measures are expected to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy consumption and improve comfort for building users while respecting the site’s historic character.
This project shows that tackling climate change and protecting Cornwall’s heritage can be achieved together. By investing in cleaner, more efficient heating systems, we’re creating a building that is fit for the future while safeguarding its historic character.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has been instrumental in helping us accelerate our decarbonisation journey.
Earlier support through the Low Carbon Skills Fund gave us the expertise and confidence to develop projects like this, and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is now turning those plans into reality.
The salix team on site at the Cornwall Council's Grade II listed Chi Aberfala building in Falmouth.
Pictured, from left, Eleanor Power, Cornwall Council, and Catarina Gomes, Salix relationship manager
During the visit, the Salix team toured the refurbished building, met project stakeholders and discussed how the council successfully balanced heritage conservation requirements with ambitious climate goals.
We also discussed the unique challenges presented by the building’s listed status. High ceilings, ageing single-glazed windows and poor insulation had long made the building difficult and expensive to heat.
The additional planning year available through Phase 3c proved invaluable, allowing the council to carefully develop designs that balanced heritage conservation with cutting-edge low-carbon technology.
Bea added: “Cornwall Council has shown real ambition in using the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to future-proof its estate. The work delivered through Phase 3c will significantly reduce emissions while creating a warmer, more comfortable building for staff, residents and visitors.
“It’s fantastic to see how this project is preserving an important community building while helping the council move closer to its net zero ambitions.”
Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, added: “This project shows that tackling climate change and protecting Cornwall’s heritage can be achieved together. By investing in cleaner, more efficient heating systems, we’re creating a building that is fit for the future while safeguarding its historic character.
“The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has been instrumental in helping us accelerate our decarbonisation journey.
“Earlier support through the Low Carbon Skills Fund gave us the expertise and confidence to develop projects like this, and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is now turning those plans into reality.
“This project is helping reduce emissions, lower energy costs and create a more comfortable public building for both staff and residents. It is an important part of our wider commitment to build a cleaner, greener and more resilient Cornwall.”
Cornwall Council has committed to reducing its operational emissions by 70% by 2030 and continues to invest in projects that improve energy efficiency, strengthen energy security and support healthier, more resilient communities.
The transformation of Chi Aberfala demonstrates how public sector organisations can protect valuable heritage assets while delivering meaningful carbon savings for the future.
Thank you to Cornwall Council for hosting the visit and sharing your project challenges and success.
