Bristol's biggest visitor attraction sailing towards net zero
A cash injection will see pioneering upgrades carried out on Brunel's SS Great Britain
It's full steam ahead to net zero for Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain is set to become carbon neutral, thanks to a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority.
Pioneering upgrades are being carried out on the ship’s conservation systems to reduce energy consumption and help it become carbon neutral by 2030.
The £13,770 Green Business Grant from the West of England Combined Authority will be used to install a heat recovery device on the system which circulates dehumidified air onto the fragile iron hull of the ship to prevent it from rusting.
The project is expected to save over 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Metro Mayor, Dan Norris said: "It’s fantastic to be back on board this remarkable ship. When she was launched the SS Great Britain incorporated the very latest in maritime technology, now those that look after her for the nation are turning to modern day tech to ensure her preservation is not at the expense of the planet.
"As we build back greener, I’m sure visitors will find this latest chapter in the ship’s long and rich history fascinating."
Dan Norris - Metro Mayor
The SS Great Britain’s Conservation Engineer, Nicola Grahamslaw added: "This energy recovery device is part of a series of upgrades to make our unique de-humidification system more resilient and reduce its carbon footprint.
"We've recently replaced the sensors, control software and some of the fans with newer technology to reduce our electricity consumption and the new component funded by the Green Business Grant is a particularly important aspect of the project, because it will not only directly reduce our gas requirement for heating but will also improve the overall performance of the whole system."
Nicola Grahamslaw - Conservation Engineer