Library reopens following £1.5m ‘climate-friendly’ renovation

A library has just reopened following a £1.5million refurbishment to upgrade the building’s facilities and make it more environmentally friendly.

Improvements to Peckham Library in Bournemouth Road, Peckham, include a new low-carbon heating, cooling, and ventilation system, roof and window repairs and new LED lighting that will improve lighting levels and save money.

These have been fitted to help save energy costs for the council whilst also reducing carbon emissions to help towards the council’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The latest climate emergency report, published in July, showed emissions from buildings accounted for 77 per cent of Southwark’s total emissions.

Councillor Catherine Rose, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, leisure and parks, said: “We are very proud of our libraries in Southwark. Peckham is one of our biggest and busiest libraries and a critical element of the public realm and square.

“It not only offers traditional library services, but provides enriching events for children and adults, free Wi-Fi and rooms for hire.

“It lends itself to the life and times of Peckham.

“We are also aware that we need to address our buildings’ impact on the environment, and as a council, we have been working hard to set an example and reduce our emissions – including in our library buildings.

“The transformed space now stands as a shining example of green building retro-fit practices, within the complexity of its original architecture.

“We invite the community back in, ahead of the summer holidays, to experience our revamped library, where knowledge and sustainability coexist harmoniously, and to join us in Peckham’s next chapter towards a greener future.”

Over the next few years, Southwark council has a work programme for retrofit upgrades across offices, libraries, leisure centres and youth centres.

Retrofit projects are currently underway at several locations including Burgess Park Sports Centre which is being upgraded with a heat pump and a green roof.

In total the council will spend £2.5million on these projects.

Pictured top: Peckham Library, open after refurbishment (Picture: Southwark council)