Celebrations as Yeovil Library decarbonisation project completes
An innovative scheme to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy bills was celebrated at Yeovil Library in December thanks to Government funding.
The funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered through Salix Finance, has helped pay for an air source heat pump, to heat the King George Street building in a sustainable way.
Somerset County Council bid for the money through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), spearheaded by BEIS and the project is part of the council’s initiative to make its estate more environmentally friendly.
The county council has successfully bid for £4.1m from PSDS and has committed a further £5.6m into this initiative.
As well as replacing the old boiler, lights have also been changed to LED and new thermally efficient double-glazed windows have improved ventilation. Additional insulation has been installed. The measures will save approximately 27 tonnes of carbon and £1,300 a year.
The scheme, which cost £427,000, with £311,000 coming from Government through Salix Finance, started in May last year and was completed six months later in November.
The library closed for only two weeks during that time as every effort was made to keep it, and registration services, open for the duration of the works.
Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community Infrastructure, Somerset County Council said: “Somerset County Council is determined to help the county achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“I was delighted to see the finished project at Yeovil Library. The decarbonisation work has the dual benefits of reducing energy bills while also reducing emissions and helping the environment.
“The library has excellent ventilation which help makes it extra Covid-safe and I know the superb library staff here are looking forward to welcoming visitors once more.”
Salix Finance, is an executive non-departmental public body, which focuses on work in the public sector to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy bills.
Edward Clark, Programme Manager, Salix Finance, said: “The project at Yeovil Library is an excellent example of how Salix Finance supports public sector organisations reduce carbon in their buildings.
“The benefits of such a project are not only seen by the council, in reducing their energy costs, but also, more importantly, the local community by significantly improving an important amenity.
“As someone who grew up in the countryside just outside of Yeovil, I’m especially proud of this project and encourage people in the area to visit the library to find out for themselves what has been done to tackle climate change and help the country reach net zero by 2050.”
Image: from left to right
- Carrie Russell – Property Project Officer, Somerset County Council
- David Hall – Somerset County Council Councillor
- Hadleigh Wells, General Manager, Futures for Somerset
- Robert Pengelly – Regional Director, FP Hurley
- Sue Crowley - Strategic Manager Library & Registration Services, Somerset County Council
- Vicky Harvey – Project Officer, Libraries Improvement Programme, Somerset County Council
