The MAC Installs New Heat Pumps as Part of Our Climate in Action Commitment

As part of our Climate in Action year, the MAC has completed a new sustainability upgrade to our building, supported by funding from Theatres Trust through the Theatre Improvement Scheme, with the Wolfson Foundation.

Thanks to this support, we have installed two new air source heat pumps; one serving the office space behind our Box Office and one in our Boardroom. These spaces were previously heated using gas underfloor heating, supported by inefficient electric heaters, with no cooling system in place.

The new heat pumps now provide both heating and cooling, improving comfort for staff and board members while significantly reducing energy use. Importantly, the units are up to 400% efficient, compared to the 80% efficiency of the fossil-fuelled gas boilers previously used to heat these areas.

Reducing Carbon, Improving Everyday Spaces

While the heat pumps may not be visible to audiences, their impact is significant. The installation will reduce the MAC’s carbon emissions by an estimated 1.4 tonnes per year, while also lowering ongoing energy demand and improving temperature control throughout the year.

This work forms part of the MAC’s wider environmental commitment, which also includes the installation of a new Building Management System (BMS), solar PV panels and repairs to the building’s geothermal system. Together, these measures are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 27 tonnes per year and deliver annual energy cost savings of around £33,000 - helping us cut our environmental impact while reinvesting more resources into creative work and public programmes.

Climate in Action

This project is one of many practical steps being taken as part of our Climate in Action programme for 2025-26, which reflects the MAC’s commitment to environmental responsibility across our operations, partnerships and artistic programme.

We are grateful to Theatres Trust and the Wolfson Foundation for their support through the Theatre Improvement Scheme, which enables cultural organisations like the MAC to make meaningful improvements that support both sustainability and the people who work in and use our buildings every day.