EnerPHit opens a new chapter for public libraries

Libraries NI, the public‑library authority for Northern Ireland, is leading the way in public building enhancement with its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The recent refurbishment of Ballymoney, Bessbrook and Killyleagh libraries to the EnerPHit standard demonstrates how thoughtful investment can create modern, comfortable and environmentally responsible spaces at the heart of local communities. The project was supported by the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy’s Energy Invest to Save Programme 2023/24. This funding, specifically earmarked for energy efficiency projects, enabled the projects to meet the stringent EnerPHit standard, setting a new benchmark for sustainability and energy efficiency in public buildings.

Decarbonising the economy is a key commitment of my Economic Plan, and my Department’s ‘Energy Invest to Save Fund’, has invested £73m across the region to support government bodies in reducing their energy costs and carbon emissions. The fund, which enabled this refurbishment, has not only supported Ballymoney library to become energy efficient, but it has also secured its future as a valuable hub for the local community. Collaboration across government is essential for the delivery of energy decarbonisation and will ensure that communities across the region benefit.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy

Key stats

Number of libraries: Three
Stage: Completed, Ballymoney and Bessbrook certified
Completion date: 2024
Certification: EnerPHit

Ballymore l Image credit: McLean & Forte Chartered Architects

Project portfolio

The initial three refurbishments included improving insulation, air tightness and renewable energy integration, with the aim of reducing carbon footprints while enhancing comfort. PHT member McLean & Forte Architects successfully won the Ballymoney project through the NI public procurement system. The libraries initiative is to create sustainable, energy-efficient spaces that serve as community hubs while contributing to long-term environmental and operational savings.

Ballymoney Library
Ballymoney Library has been a vital service for the town’s residents and the surrounding rural areas since 1970. With five primary schools and three post-primary schools nearby, the library plays a crucial role in supporting education. It serves over 2,000 active library members and extends its reach through the Causeway Homecall and Mobile Library services, ensuring access to books for housebound customers and rural communities.
Bessbrook Library
Bessbrook Library was purpose built in 1993 as a detached single storey building. As a public library, it serves the village of Bessbrook and the three townlands of Maghernahely, Clogharevan and Maytown. With five nursery schools, 12 primary schools and one post primary school nearby, the library plays a crucial role in supporting education.
Killyleagh Library
The transformation of Killyleagh Library, and the unveiling of this revitalised space was eagerly anticipated by the local community. Designed with the same commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency that has defined previous Libraries NI projects, Killyleagh Library is on track to achieve EnerPHit accreditation.

Projected performance for the three projects

Expected combined energy saving: 59,858 kWh/year
Expected combined carbon saving: 21,923 kg CO₂/year
65% combined carbon output reduction, equivalent to 22 tonnes per year

Challenges

Killyleagh Library | Image credit: Libraries NI

Heritage & existing fabric: Upgrading existing public libraries to meet modern energy performance standards while preserving accessibility and community value presented significant challenges.
Budget constraints: Public‑sector funding must stretch across three sites. The project leveraged the targeted Energy Invest to Save grant and phased works to share specialist resources.
User‑experience continuity: Maintaining library services, community engagement and the building’s welcoming character during the retrofit also required careful planning and collaboration between design, construction and operational teams. Phased construction, temporary service points and self‑service RFID kiosks ensured continuous access.

Lessons learned

Bessbrook Library | Image credit: JP&S Construction Ltd

Early stakeholder alignment is vital: Involving the Department for Communities, the Energy Invest programme, and local school representatives from the outset prevented later redesigns.
Integrate energy goals with user needs: Zoning the library for children, young people and adults, plus free Wi‑Fi and self‑service kiosks, proved that high performance does not mean compromised service.
Sustainability drives value: Demonstrating measurable carbon and cost savings strengthens the case for future investment in energy-efficient public infrastructure.

Public‑sector projects benefit from dedicated funding streams. The Energy Invest to Save programme provided the financial certainty needed for such an ambitious retrofit.

Community focus remains central: Technical excellence must go hand in hand with creating comfortable, inclusive spaces that enhance local wellbeing and educational opportunities.

A new chapter

The ambition of Libraries NI has set a new benchmark for sustainable public buildings in Northern Ireland. The project not only achieved EnerPHit certification but also delivered modern, energy-efficient spaces that support lifelong learning and community engagement.

Ballymore l Image credit: McLean & Forte Chartered Architects

The successful refurbishment of Bessbrook Library, alongside the completed project at Ballymoney Library and Killyleagh Library, represents a major achievement in advancing our commitment sustainability. These efforts set a new benchmark for future public building projects, demonstrating what is possible when we invest thoughtfully in our libraries.

Libraries NI is the public library authority for Northern Ireland

The initiative demonstrates how public buildings can lead the way in carbon reduction, energy savings and social value creation. Together, Ballymoney, Bessbrook and Killyleagh libraries showcase the potential for public infrastructure to model climate action while enriching the communities they serve.