The ss Great Britain site covers a large area so energy saving is a key priority for the Trust. Energy saving measures that are currently in place are:
- Low energy lighting across approximately 70% of the site
- Low energy floodlights are being trialled
- LED lighting suitable for museum purposes is being sourced
- Buildings are being progressively insulated and draught proofed
- The main plant is cooled directly from the Dock water, saving c.20% of the energy required
- The humidity in the dry dock is stabilised by the layer of dock water on the glass plate
- Additional water saving measures are in place (flow regulators, sensors, push taps, cistern dams)
- A coach switch-off policy is in place
The Trust’s greatest challenge is to reduce the energy we consume in keeping the ship in a humidity and temperature controlled environment. The Trust is monitoring continually what new technologies might be adopted in order to reduce our energy consumption. Currently biomass CHP is being considered.