Sustainability Report

The project uses several documented strategies to reduce embodied carbon:

• Sustainable aggregates and concrete mixes incorporating GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) to reduce Ordinary Portland Cement content.
• A reinforced concrete frame combined with a steel superstructure for the county library offices.
• Regionally based suppliers and fabricators to reduce transport-related emissions.
• A long intended building life of at least 60 years, allowing the embodied carbon of construction materials to remain in use over an extended period.
• Exterior fabric elements designed to be retrievable and recyclable at the end of their useful life.
• Exposed concrete elements contribute both to the interior architecture and thermal inertia, supporting passive environmental control.

The documented operational energy strategies include:

• Almost entirely naturally ventilated library spaces.
• NZEB-targeted thermal modelling.
• A “fabric first” approach with high insulation and airtightness.
• Low thermal transmittance U-values and optimised solar g-values.
• Passive cooling and reduced solar gain through detailed design analysis.
• Concrete soffits providing thermal mass and nighttime cooling.
• Air-source heat pumps as the primary heating source.
• CO₂ sensors connected to the building management system for automated environmental control.
• Low-energy lighting systems.
• Daylight- and movement-activated lighting sensors.
• High levels of natural daylight.
• Integrated building fabric and services to maintain a balanced internal environment.

Documented strategies include:

• Durable external materials, including reconstructed stone, precast concrete, aluminium and limestone.
• A high-performance envelope intended to reduce ongoing energy demand.
• Integrated building systems to maintain stable environmental conditions.
• Intelligent lighting controls and occupancy-responsive sensors.
• CO₂ sensors connected to the BMS for automated control.
• Sensor taps and automated WC systems to reduce water consumption.
• Exterior fabric designed to be retrievable and recyclable at the end of its useful life.
• A long expected building lifespan of at least 60 years, reducing the need for premature replacement.