Arup delivers major retrofit of historic Lambeth Palace

The project focused on improving energy performance and enhancing climate resilience while preserving the Palace’s architectural and cultural significance. A new energy centre, discreetly located to minimise visual and archaeological impact, enables a move away from fossil fuels and powers the site using three new air-source heat pumps. Solar panels provide renewable electricity, and gas use has been phased out through kitchen upgrades. The Palace is now served entirely by on-site renewables. 

A new lighting scheme enhances energy efficiency and improves the atmosphere in key hospitality areas and the Archbishop’s apartment. 160 double glazed windows were installed and 140 radiators replaced, all salvaged in line with circular economy principles. Over the course of the project, 39 tonnes of timber were recycled, saving 20 tonnes of CO2 emissions. To enhance climate resilience, roofs and drainage systems were adapted to enable rainwater harvesting and better withstand extreme weather events. 

Edward Clarke, Associate Director at Arup, said: “Arup is delighted to have been entrusted with the refurbishment of Lambeth Palace. Working with an enlightened client and talented team, our shared vision of the project was clear: a Palace for generations to come in the most sustainable way. These shared goals informed every design decision. The resulting considered and intricate installation shows how world class sustainability can be delivered in an historic building.” 

Stephen Smith, Partner at Wright & Wright Architects, added: “Transitioning Lambeth Palace towards becoming a zero-carbon site represented a considerable challenge. The spirit of this complex retrofit can be captured by the adage ‘If we want things to stay the same, things will have to change’. From removing the Palace’s reliance on fossil fuels, to enabling thousands more guests to visit with newly installed accessible infrastructure, we are immensely proud that the overhaul – which involved entire areas being taken apart and reassembled – appears as if we’d never been there at all.” 

Michael Minta, Director of Bishoprics and Cathedrals & Lambeth Palace Library, said: "Lambeth Palace has been at the heart of our national story for many centuries, and the completion of these urgently needed works is a source of joy to us as custodians of this beautiful building. The refurbishment, the first in almost a century, ensures it can remain a global base for mission and hospitality for the Church for generations to come." 

The Lambeth Palace retrofit demonstrates how historic buildings can be sensitively and sustainably adapted to play a role in the transition to net zero, delivering sustainable solutions which combine heritage conservation with forward-looking climate action.