Extensive decarbonisation works at Bootle Library are now nearing completion, marking a major milestone in the borough’s wider programme to modernise and future‑proof its public buildings.

Supported through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Public Sector Decarbonisation funding, the project at Bootle Library has involved significant improvements to the building’s energy efficiency.

16.9 tonnes of CO₂ every year

These include low‑carbon heating upgrades, improvements to the building fabric, and enhanced insulation and glazing. Once complete, the works are expected to reduce the Library’s carbon emissions by 16.9 tonnes of CO₂ every year, equivalent to the emissions produced by driving a petrol car around 85,000 miles.

Sefton Council is progressing a wider package of decarbonisation work approved by Cabinet earlier this year. More than £7 million is being invested to modernise Council‑owned buildings, unlocking a £6,346,987 Combined Authority grant through a £1,820,925 match‑funding contribution from the Council.

Important step

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.”

North West Net Zero Hub

The North West Net Zero Hub has a dedicated Public Buildings team committed to helping public sector organisations decarbonise their estate and improve energy efficiency. We offer free, impartial advice, practical guidance, and technical knowledge to support the planning and delivery of heat decarbonisation and energy-saving measures.

Beyond Bootle Library, the next phase of Sefton’s decarbonisation programme could deliver an additional 800‑tonne annual reduction in carbon emissions across up to six further Council buildings, with work scheduled to continue through to March 2027.

Funding has also been allocated for solar panel repairs at eight Council sites, ensuring buildings can make greater use of renewable energy. Early successes are already being seen at The Meadows Leisure Centre, where a refurbished solar array installed in 2025 has saved more than £8,000 in electricity costs within nine months.

We are transforming Sefton

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “I am pleased that we are transforming Sefton, from the regeneration of Bootle Strand to the exciting nature-led Ainsdale Gateway project and the improvements to Southport Promenade, and we are putting sustainability at the heart of these actions.

“By decarbonising buildings that are used every day, we are working towards the Council’s target of achieving Net Zero, and the planned upgrades will benefit us long into the future.”

You can find out more about Sefton Council’s Energy and Environmental Management team here.

Photograph of entrance to Bootle Library - by Phil Nash from Wikimedia Commons