We’ve done it! After years of dreaming, planning, and a lot of hard work, Winchester Science Centre has officially switched off fossil fuel heating for good. Our enormous, decades‑old oil system? Gone. In its place is a sparkling new air source heat pump system that’s already warming the whole centre,  all thanks to a transformative £700,000 sustainability upgrade, the biggest infrastructure investment in our entire 23‑year history. And we could not be prouder. 

Two years of planning. Two intense months of installation. Forty‑seven people working together on the project like a finely tuned machine. And now… it’s done! 
In December, five mighty Lochinvar Amicus Altus heat pumps were dramatically craned over the top of our building (yes, it really was as cool as it sounds) and placed beside the plant room. On 28th January 2026, Cllr Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, officially commissioned them and they’ve been humming away beautifully ever since. 

Cllr Tod said: 
“Winchester Science Centre inspires so many people about science, and I could see today how it’s delivering on it, too. It's a huge priority for us to go greener faster in Winchester, and it’s great to see the Science Centre leading the way.” 

These powerful units now supply hot water to our entire 29,000 cubic metre building; that’s the equivalent of 29 million litres, or 290 blue whales of space! A pretty enormous challenge for any heating system, but our new tech is handling it brilliantly. 

The Challenge: Ditching a 20,000-Litre Oil System 

Replacing our old oil heating wasn’t just a switch‑it‑off, plug‑it‑in job. 

The building was originally designed in 2000 around a huge oil tank embedded into the structure itself. To remove it? It had to be cut up, piece by messy piece, and taken out by hand. Not glamorous, but incredibly worth it. 

As Joe Bennett, our Head of Estates, put it: 
"Burning oil for our heating was the single biggest carbon emitter for us. Our oil tank had a 20,000 litre capacity, and in cold weather we could burn 1,000 litres of oil per week. We have eliminated our use of this fossil fuel and the associated CO2 emissions." 

And the numbers show just how huge this is: 

• In 2024/25, Wonderseekers produced 135.31 tonnes of CO₂e 
• The oil heating system alone created 69.59 tonnes 
• That’s 51.4% of our entire emissions footprint – eliminated by this project! 

The impact: A jaw-dropping 98% cut in direct emissions 

Switching to air source heat pumps has slashed Wonderseekers’ Scope 1 Emissions* by 98%. The only thing left in that category? Our trusty van, which is used to visit schools and communities across the South, bringing the wonder of science directly to children.  

That means: 
✔ Over half of our entire carbon footprint — eliminated 
✔ Zero fossil fuels being burned on site for heating 
✔ A huge leap forward for our sustainability vision 

While our electricity use will rise (by about 152,000 kWh annually), that’s all Scope 2* and guess what? We’re already planning a solar energy project to tackle that next. The clean‑energy journey continues! 

Engineering a cleaner future 

The success of this project proves something powerful; Even older, complex buildings can transition to modern, renewable heating. 

It took precision engineering, careful coordination, and a big team effort, and brilliant project management, but we’ve shown what’s possible when sustainability leads the way. 

Living Our Vision, Every Day 

Ben Ward, CEO of Wonderseekers, summed it all up: 
“This is the most important infrastructure project in WSC’s 25-year history. This is a huge step towards running Winchester Science Centre as a sustainable venue and has eliminated our reliance on fossil fuels for future heating." 

Our vision, a world where people and planet thrive through the wonder of science, is no longer just something we talk about; our building is living it. 

Protecting Our Magical Home 

We’re proudly perched on the edge of the stunning South Downs National Park, a place of chalk downs, rare wildlife, and one of the UK’s best Dark Sky Reserves. As the park reaches its 10‑year Dark Sky anniversary in 2026, we’re celebrating knowing our heating is now cleaner, greener, and better for the planet we love. 

Science in Action: Inspiring the Next Generation 

Every young person who visits will now experience sustainability in action. They’ll explore science in a centre heated by renewable technology, learning how real-world environmental challenges can be solved with innovation and imagination. We are developing a new exhibit to explain to children how air source heat pumps work and how they are changing the way we heat inside spaces for the better.  

We’re not just teaching science. We’re living it. 

The future looks bright - and green! 

This project stands as proof that bold environmental ambition is achievable. With vision, commitment, and a little bit of engineering magic, we’ve transformed our operations and dramatically reduced our footprint. And we’re not stopping here. Winchester Science Centre is now better equipped than ever to inspire the scientists, engineers, and planet protectors of tomorrow.

Here’s to cleaner energy, bold ideas, and a planet‑positive future, powered by science! 

*Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is an international standard for reporting emissions and categorising greenhouse gasses into Scope 1, 2 and 3 based on the source. Find out more:  https://www.wri.org/initiatives/greenhouse-gas-protocol