ABSTRACT
The library is a great user of energy, most of which is delivered via fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels adds to global warming and, as a consequence, there is pressure from gov-
ernment and clients to explore alternative means of heating, lighting and ventilating libraries. Besides energy, libraries also use significant levels of water (in sanitation and sprink-
ler systems) and raw materials (in construction). They also generate a great deal of waste in the form of air and water pollution, and in the disposal of packaging, paper and out-of-date books or periodicals. Energy is also used to
gain access to the library (whether by car or public transport) and to transport reading material to it. Libraries are particularly dependent upon electrical
energy. It is needed for lighting and to power computers, surveillance and security equipment, lifts and air-conditioning. As about a half of all energy consumption worldwide
goes into constructing and servicing buildings, libraries have their part to play in achieving more sustainable practice. Libraries, with their high electricity consumption,
pose a particular problem, as electrical energy is relatively inefficient per unit of delivered energy. For every unit of electricity, about twice as much carbon dioxide pollution is generated for the same unit of energy delivered via gas
or oil. The following principles should be followed under the key
headings of energy, resources and recycling.
