In future, the Liebig Museum will rely on environmentally friendly district heating from Stadtwerke Giessen.
Giessen. The news a good two years ago shocked many Giessen residents: after a fire in the historic lecture theatre, the Liebig Museum had to close its doors - at least for normal operations. The good news: after the initial shock, those responsible quickly realised that the fire also offered an opportunity. They developed a master plan for the Liebig Museum 2.0 and combined the repair of all fire damage with modernisation and the necessary conversion work that had long been due. "Our aim is to preserve the historical heritage while combining modern technology and sustainability aspects to create a completely new museum experience," announces Prof Dr Gerd Hamscher, Chairman of the Justus Liebig Society. The association is the private-law sponsor of the museum, which is primarily financed by donations in addition to membership fees, entrance fees and rents.
An important part of the masterplan is a modern, up-to-date heat supply. The decision was made in favour of district heating. "Even before the fire, we decided to use the expansion of the network in Liebigstrasse to switch to district heating and commissioned a corresponding connection," recalls Prof Dr Gerd Hamscher.
Many good arguments
There are many good reasons for scrapping eleven night storage heaters in the museum area and three gas boilers on the first floor and using district heating for heating and hot water instead. First and foremost, the possibility of arming oneself against the various uncertainties of energy policy. "Those who choose district heating today are always on the safe side and don't need to worry about any regulations when it comes to heating. Our district heating fulfils the legal requirements at all times," explains Matthias Funk, Technical Director of Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). In addition, this form of heat supply simplifies the operation of the museum. "The ready-to-use heat supplied free of charge relieves our caretaker enormously," says a delighted Prof Dr Gerd Hamscher. After all, the use of district heating virtually eliminates the usual maintenance, repairs and checks. Last but not least, district heating fits seamlessly into the Liebig Museum 2.0. After all, sustainability in line with the preservation order is right at the top of the agenda.
Conversion work began on 6 January. If everything goes according to plan, the Liebig Museum will reopen its doors to visitors in September 2025, some of whom are likely to be travelling from further afield again. The district heating supply will not be a problem. SWG will have already installed the necessary house connection for the time-honoured building in summer 2023.