As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and tackle climate change, a new heat pump has been installed at the Arid House at Torre Abbey.

The new 16KW heat pump replaces the old conventional gas boiler and is expected to save 18,400kW/h (kilowatt hours) of energy per year and just under 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the installation. 

It follows the recent installation of heat pumps at Torbay Leisure Centre, along with solar panels, LED lighting and ventilation – a scheme which won a national 2022 Energy Award and is another of the range of projects we are investing £1m into as part of our Action Plan to make Torbay Carbon Neutral by 2030.

Leader of Torbay Council Steve Darling said: “Torre Abbey is one of our most important local historical assets and I am delighted that we have been able to make the site more environmentally friendly as part of our wider commitment to tackling climate change.

“Other upcoming schemes which form part of our Carbon Neutral Council Action Plan include the installation of charging points for electric vehicles at car parks across the Bay, tree planting, and working with Exeter Community Energy to help make homes more energy efficient. The Council is also reviewing all of its fleet and buildings to help make them carbon neutral.”

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, said: “Reducing carbon emissions within the Torbay area remains a high priority of ours and this is new heat pump at Torre Abbey is another important step along the way to Torbay becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

Following a series of climate conversation events earlier this year, the Torbay Climate Partnership will be consulting in December on Torbay-wide plans to help tackle climate change locally.

Find out more about our work with partners to tackle climate change