The British Library, in collaboration with CBRE and Naked Energy, has launched the UK’s largest solar heat project on the roof of its iconic building. This ambitious project involves 950 solar collectors spread across 712.5 square meters, expected to cut the Library’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes annually while generating around 216 MWh of energy. That’s enough energy to power and heat a community facility or swimming pool for a year, making this installation a significant step in public-sector decarbonisation.
Naked Energy’s advanced “Virtu” solar panels, which capture both heat and electricity, save up to four times the carbon emissions compared to standard PV solar panels. This technology will help meet the Library's needs for sanitary hot water, space heating, and crucial climate control, ensuring the preservation of its vast collection of over 170 million items. The system’s design is particularly suited for the Grade I-listed Library, as it maintains the building's architectural integrity and remains discreet from street level.
Funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, this project aligns with the British Library’s recently launched Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, a formal commitment to environmental action introduced during Green Libraries Week. The effort reflects a wider shift within the public sector to embrace renewable energy solutions, aiming to inspire further adoption in similarly protected historical sites. This solar heat project, according to Jon Benford of CBRE, represents an innovative way to “preserve the past and protect the future” in the drive towards net-zero goals, despite the unique challenges presented by the Library’s heritage status.
