A library has been improved to make the building greener and more energy efficient as part of Somerset County Council's commitment to decarbonise its buildings.

The project has seen a new air source heat pump installed to heat Yeovil library in a more sustainable way, lamps changed to LEDs, new thermally efficient windows, improved ventilation with carbon dioxide monitors, and significant additional insulation. The measures will save approximately 27 tonnes of carbon each year.

Work started on the project in May and was completed in November. The library only closed for two weeks during that time as every effort was made to keep the library and registration services operational for the duration of the works.

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The investment is part of a wider Somerset County Council scheme to decarbonise the council's estate and make the Council’s buildings more environmentally friendly.

Early estimates indicate that the delivery of the various schemes could reduce SCC's non-schools estate carbon output by around 27% – around 400 tonnes of carbon per annum. All the remaining projects aside from County Hall are due to be complete by March 2022.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community Infrastructure, 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."

The government funding for the PSDS projects is being delivered by Salix Finance Ltd, 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. For Yeovil Library, the total project cost was £427,000, with £311,000 being delivered by Salix Finance.