Waterford — Built in 1989, the Norfolk County Public Library, Waterford Branch is getting some green revisions after an investment of over $300,000 from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. This project will significantly contribute to reduced operating costs and environmental impact.
This project will replace the library’s windows, making them more insulative. The current HVAC system will be replaced with a high-efficiency heat pump system that will also have an energy recovery feature. As well, the interior lighting will be upgraded with LED fixtures and an energy efficient control panel.
The project will install a 10 kilo-Watt array of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels and a 13 kilo-Watt-hours battery storage system. The array will not only help offset the library’s energy requirements but will also help ensure the Waterford branch continues to operate in a power outage.
These upgrades will reduce the library’s annual fuel costs significantly, supporting greater savings that can be reinvested in programs or acquiring new material for the library.
“Libraries are places where everyone in a community can come together, learn, and enjoy everything that they have to offer. I am proud that we could support this project to help ensure that the library can continue serving Waterford for decades to come.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities