British Library’s solar collectors to push forward net zero plans
THE British Library has taken a huge step forward in its aims to achieve net zero with the installa- tion of an array of solar collectors. Hundreds of panels have been placed on the roof of the BL’s London Head- quarters, as part of wide-ranging efforts to cut carbon emissions. Covering a total area of 712 sqm, the work was led by Naked Energy which described it as the UK’s biggest solar project. A total of 950 solar collectors have been used, with each panel generating electrical energy as well as heating water for the build- ing, which was opened in the Sir Colin St John Wilson-designed building, which was officially opened in St Pancras in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II. It is estimated that retrofitting the
BL with the green technology will save around 55 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted each year. Naked Energy led the project and says that the dual purpose design of solar collectors will help the BL as it moves towards net zero. Christophe Williams, founder and CEO
British Library’s solar array. Photo © Naked Energy
of Naked Energy, said: “It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institu- tion and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals,” he said. “We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sec- tor to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all.” The £1.5M scheme was funded by The Pub- lic Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, run by
the Department for Energy Secur ity and Net Zero. Low profile solar collectors were used, meaning they cannot be seen from street level, and helping to ensure the BL’s listed building status is not compromised. The British Library will host CILIP’s Green Libraries Conference on 25 November, and you can find out more about the conference on p. 34 and book your place at
www.cilip.org. uk/greenlibrariesconf24.
October-November 2024
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