Young Victoria and Albert Museum 

MEIS is proud to announce its involvement in a decarbonisation project at the iconic Young Victoria and Albert Museum, located in Bethnal Green, East London. A new Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system is being installed as part of a wider investment-grade energy proposal. 

The museum is a Grade II listed building originally constructed in the Victorian era (1857) as a temporary iron-framed structure, featuring high ceilings and expansive open galleries. Because the structure is heavily protected by heritage guidelines, traditional modern insulation and heating upgrades are not an option. This presents a unique challenge for MEIS, as modern upgrades must be installed while keeping the historical fabric of the building unaltered.  

Working on behalf of Vital Energy, MEIS has been appointed to deliver a complete heat pump solution. This includes installing new low-temperature hot water (LTHW) systems alongside all associated electrical works. 

As part of the project, the existing gas-fired plant will be fully removed and replaced with two Clade heat pumps, providing a robust total output of 450 kW. The new system has been carefully designed to meet the building’s heating demands while maintaining the high flow of 82/71°C required by the building’s infrastructure.  

This project is a brilliant example of how 21st-century sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into 19th-century architecture. By blending historical preservation with cutting-edge decarbonisation technology, this ensures that the museum is future-proofed for generations to come. 

We are looking forward to sharing more updates as this project progresses towards completion. Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with our current projects.