Eco-measures at brand new Northcote Library help achieve climate change targets

Battersea’s brand-new Northcote Library features a range of eco-measures that show how public buildings of the future can help deliver climate change targets.

The newly built library in Northcote Road includes the latest energy saving measures that will drastically reduce its carbon footprint.

Solar panels on the roof are generating electricity to power the library while double glazed windows and comprehensive insulation will reduce energy usage and keep the building warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

And when needed, the library will be kept at comfortable temperatures through the installation of the latest generation of air source heat pump which will significantly reduce energy usage, ensuring the library meets the latest environmental standards.

All these innovations mean the library has an A grade energy rating – a striking achievement in a public building of this size.

Judi Gasser, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Environment said: “This brand-new state-of-the-art library in Battersea boasts the latest carbon reduction technology, making it one of the most eco-friendly libraries in the country.

“Utilising solar energy and air source heat pump technology, along with a host of other measures, means our new library is much more sustainable than its predecessor and much more energy efficient. It is investment in the latest environmental technologies and other eco-measures that will help us reach our ambitious climate change targets.”

The new library opened its doors to the public earlier this month replacing its1960s-era predecessor with a larger and better equipped building. 

The modern three storey library offers a dedicated and improved children’s section, enlarged study accommodation, self-serve kiosks for book loans, upgraded computer and digital learning areas, an events space and restroom facilities.

It provides 848 square metres of usable floor space compared with the old library’s 728 sqm.

Alongside is a new community centre which will shortly open its doors to local groups and a nursery.

Councillor Gasser added: “This is a fantastic new library and community centre offering superb community resources for people of all ages living in this part of Battersea.

“Residents here now have a bigger and better fully modernised library with a larger children’s section. This comes at a time when many councils in London and elsewhere are closing libraries to save money. This is certainly not the case in Wandsworth.

'We are also now working on a new strategy for our libraries, to ensure that they are fully accessible to all our residents and offer the services people want. We will be consulting with residents later this year.

“This is a council listening to people and delivering better services for the same low council tax.”