Through the process have you discovered any additional benefits coming from the sustainability measures – perhaps things you hadn’t expected?
DE – Sometimes it costs more to buy green – the paints we use, for instance, are often more expensive – and decorators are keen to advise us to go for a cheaper product! But there can be financial benefits as well as environmental benefits. The improvements we make to lighting often pay for themselves over time.
The recent dramatic rise in the cost of utilities could have a significant impact on the cost of the library services we operate – and we are monitoring these costs centrally – and planning what we can do to reduce the use of utilities. We monitor recycling in a similar way – and I am delighted that some of our libraries are recycling champions in our wider business.
You are making small changes where you can, but also looking at bigger changes – did you feel it was important to be able to make a start to build up momentum?
DE – One of the larger refurbishment projects in Bromley Central Library was actually the ideal opportunity for us to start working with the principles of “reduce, reuse and recycle”. It was won- derful to have a significant opportunity to focus on ensuring that the libraries we manage become more sustainable – and we have used the methodology we developed in Bromley elsewhere, adding more ideas as we go. Given the size of GLL’s library oper- ations it gives us a unique opportunity to share information across all library staff, for example we recently complet- ed several library specific training ses- sion with our Energy and Environment Manager to look at energy use, waste and recycling and to share best prac- tice with regards to library operations within GLL.
Thinking of the bigger things that can be done, you have an ambition for a Net Zero library and leisure centre to be added to GLL’s portfo- lio – can you tell us about that and how that will be achieved?
DE – GLL is currently finalising its Sus- tainability Strategy which will outline our ambitions for Carbon reduction and reaching net zero. There is no “silver bullet” to reach that goal, so we will be looking at a range of measures. These will include investment in on site renewable generation through solar panels to generate electricity and reduce reliance on the grid and installing air
June 2022
source heat pumps to use the green elec- tricity to produce zero carbon heat for the libraries.
The investment in renewable generation must go hand in hand with a continued focus on energy efficiency and reducing the amount of energy we consume in our libraries. GLL are also investigating the use of Power Purchase Agreements to obtain renewable, zero carbon, electricity direct from large-scale wind and solar farms.
How do your staff fit into this – can you embed a culture of sustaina- bility at all levels, and how are you doing that? Do you have “green champions”?
DE – Many of our staff care deeply about the environment – and have been delighted with developments such as the biodegradable library card. We want staff to be empowered to contribute to all elements of our programmes – and we encourage them to suggest ideas which relate to sustainability. We have tried the idea of “green champions” but we really want everyone to be involved. The envi- ronment is an issue which affects us all – and we do not want it to be a specialism. Our library managers will lead on the agenda and have received specific train- ing from the Energy and Environment Manager which they can then circulate and deliver to their local staff to ensure everyone is involved and engaged in this crucial agenda.
How do you ensure your message about sustainability is reaching
users and communities, and are they included in your plans?
DE – Sustainability is included in our plans – but I think we still have much to do in marketing our message to our customers We are currently appointing a Marketing Officer for the Libraries Divi- sion and this will be a key priority for the new post holder.
In addition to our overall GLL message contained on the GLL website with our key achievements and targets.
What is the long-term picture for sustainability within GLL?
DE – Sustainability is one of our key agendas. As mentioned earlier, GLL is currently finalising its Sustainability Strategy which will outline our approach to Carbon reduction and wider sustaina- bility goals over the next decade. GLL want to work closely with our local authority partners and customers to make a difference to the communities we work in. Therefore in addition to energy saving and carbon reduction measures we look at sustainable transport options to our libraries, encouraging staff and customers to cycle as well as increasing the number of Electric vehicle charging points at our leisure and library facilities. We will be improving biodiversity in and around our buildings, working closely with suppliers to reduce emissions and packaging from our supply chain, develop a clear strategy to remove single use plastics from our facilities and ensure we continue to offer fair trade and healthy goods to our customers. IP
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