Sustainable Energy
The Hepworth Wakefield is an award-winning gallery building designed to exacting curatorial standards.
As sustainability expectations evolve, we’re undertaking a series of upgrades to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and futureproof the building’s performance , all while maintaining the stable environmental conditions required to safeguard our collection and exhibitions.
What we're Doing
Major HVAC system upgrade
A full replacement of our heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is currently underway. Once complete, this upgrade is expected to reduce energy use by approximately one-third, while improving temperature control, air quality and efficiency throughout the gallery.
Installing a smart Building Management System
A new digital control system is being introduced to monitor and manage energy use in real time. This includes zoning capabilities, automated scheduling, and responsive alerts , helping reduce energy waste without compromising performance.
Complete transition to LED lighting
All public and gallery areas now use energy-efficient LED lighting. This has significantly reduced electricity consumption, while improving visual conditions for both artworks and visitors.
Monitoring and reporting performance
Energy and emissions data are tracked monthly across gas and electricity, providing a detailed picture of our environmental performance. This supports data-led decision-making and helps identify further opportunities for improvement.
What's Next?
Preparing for rooftop solar
Feasibility work is complete for a rooftop solar installation. Subject to planning permissions and funding, this system could provide up to 14% of the gallery’s annual electricity demand, reducing our reliance on the grid and generating clean energy on site.
Engaging staff through training and operational guidance
Energy performance depends not only on systems, but on people. We’ll be expanding staff training to support consistent, energy-aware behaviours across departments , from facilities to programming.
Reviewing long-term decarbonisation opportunities
As baseline performance improves, we’ll revisit the gallery’s wider decarbonisation pathway. This includes exploring low-carbon heating options, battery storage potential, and future offsite renewables partnerships
The Challenge
The Hepworth Wakefield was designed to museum-grade specifications, with robust materials and large internal volumes that support ambitious exhibitions and striking spatial experiences. As climate patterns shift with colder winters, hotter summers and more extreme fluctuations, maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels has become increasingly complex. To meet these evolving conditions, we are investing in energy-efficient upgrades that enhance environmental performance while preserving the integrity of the building and the strict standards required for artwork conservation.
