Powering the Future: Insights from Transforming Energy

JB’s Transforming Energy programme is accelerating climate action across the UK’s cultural sector, helping organisations to plan and deliver the decarbonisation of their buildings.

More than 100 organisations are part of the Buildings Net Zero Energy strand, with 22 receiving tailored support through the Capital Investment Readiness strand, equipping them to develop business cases, secure funding, and shape the future of sustainable cultural infrastructure.

Cultural spaces, including heritage buildings, have the power to engage the public on climate action. While momentum is growing, a substantial investment gap remains to fully electrify cultural buildings and meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target. The sector is ready to act, but needs the right funding and policy frameworks to lead the way.

Powering the Future: Insights from Transforming Energy, authored by Catherine Bottrill (Pilio) and Hannah Graham (Julie’s Bicycle), looks at lessons from across the programme. It highlights achievements, barriers, and key recommendations for decision-makers, funders and the sector alike.

Read the briefing paper

---

Further Reading

For a deeper dive into one of the key technologies for decarbonising cultural buildings, read The Potential of Heat Pumps, If the Barriers are Overcome.

Heat pumps are a critical low-carbon alternative to traditional heating systems and play a pivotal role in electrifying building energy use. This paper explores their potential, specific challenges for the cultural and heritage sectors, and what’s needed to unlock wider adoption across the UK’s commercial and cultural buildings.

Read the heat pumps paper