Setting the Standard: Libraries NI leads the way with UK's first EnerPHit-certified public building

By David McLoughlin, Capital Project Manager, Libraries NI

David McLoughlin explores how Libraries NI was able to focus sustainability as part of refurbishment scheme that led to a UK-first for environmental standards.

"Improving the energy performance of each library went hand-in-hand with enhancing the customer experience. The projects were not just about numbers on a meter but rather creating warm, bright, welcoming places where people want to spend time."

WHEN Libraries NI set out to refurbish a trio of rural libraries – Ballymoney, Killyleagh, and Bessbrook – the goal was clear: transform old and tired spaces into modern, sustainable and welcoming community hubs.

A focus on this clear goal and a collective desire to create environmentally efficient library spaces led to a benchmark-setting achievement. Ballymoney Library became the first public building in the UK to achieve the prestigious EnerPHit standard – an accolade that would earn Libraries NI recognition as a runner-up in the EDGE2025 Awards and shortlisted in the Construction Excellence Awards for Northern Ireland.

The Libraries NI team set out the vision for these three libraries successfully securing funding from the Department for the Economy's Invest to Save initiative, which encourages public sector organisations to develop projects that deliver long-term cost savings and environmental gains. With rising energy costs, climate goals to meet, and ageing infrastructure across the estate, the challenge was both urgent and compelling.

The team's response was bold. "We recognised early on that we had an opportunity to do something significant and different," said Tim Neeson, RIBA, Libraries NI Assets Manager. "We weren't just aiming for an upgrade – we wanted to futureproof these libraries and demonstrate that public buildings, and libraries in particular, can lead the way in environmental responsibility."

Teamwork: the engine behind the transformation

Delivering these ambitious projects relied on seamless collaboration between departments across Libraries NI and external organisations. Libraries NI's team of Tim Neeson, David McLoughlin (Capital Project Manager) and Matthew Dickinson (Assets Officer) managed the physical element of the builds from conception to completion, ensuring that every technical detail met the rigorous EnerPHit standard. Working closely with architects, contractors and specialist consultants, the team managed each stage of the process to deliver high-performing, sustainable buildings that met both design ambitions and environmental targets.

The projects also benefited from the expertise of a range of staff across Libraries NI, including frontline library staff who advised on layout and customer needs, Intelligent Customer Technology staff who ensured all digital systems and infrastructure were in place, and the Marketing team who helped communicate changes and promote the new facilities to the public. This collaborative approach helped ensure the retrofitted buildings not only worked well behind the scenes but also met the needs of the people using them – from the layout and technology to the promotion and implementation of services and activities.

From furniture procurement and decanting to customer and stakeholder communications for the launch – and early engagement with customers through updates, displays, and feedback opportunities – it was a multi-faceted operation that highlighted Libraries NI's project experience.

"Working across departments created a real sense of shared ownership," said Kirsty McClelland, Service Development Manager. "Everyone involved understood the importance of this work; not just from an operational perspective, but from a customer experience and sustainability point of view."

From the outset, customer engagement played a central role to the plans as feedback was gathered at multiple points to help shape internal layouts, improve accessibility, and enhance comfort.

Raising the Bar with EnerPHit

The EnerPHit standard is the retrofit counterpart to the world-renowned Passivhaus standard which demands exceptional energy performance, airtightness, and comfort. This criterion is rarely applied to existing public buildings so meeting the benchmarks in older library structures was a complex challenge.

Through innovative design and meticulous attention to detail, Ballymoney, Killyleagh, and Bessbrook Libraries were transformed. Each was fitted with triple-glazed windows, high-performance insulation, and airtight building envelopes. Central to the upgrades were MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems, which improve air quality while drastically reducing energy loss.

The fresh look libraries also include subtle design nods to sustainability with for example purposely planted birch trees at the entrance of Ballymoney Library, to greet visitors whilst also reinforcing the green ethos.

Improving the energy performance of each library went hand-in-hand with enhancing the customer experience. The projects were not just about numbers on a meter but rather creating warm, bright, welcoming places where people want to spend time. Library staff and customers alike have noticed the difference – improved natural light, air quality, and steady indoor temperatures have made a noticeable impact, with filtered fresh air circulation being a key factor.

However, the improved energy efficiency was also clearly obvious and the environmental and operational benefits of the refurbishment were immediate and measurable. Energy use at the retrofitted libraries dropped by up to 65 per cent and CO₂ emissions were reduced by approximately 22 tonnes annually across the three sites.

Refurbishing libraries to the EnerPHit standard has not only improved energy efficiency but also transformed how services are delivered. Redesigned layouts by The Design Concept and Work, Rest Play have made spaces more flexible, accessible, and welcoming – supporting everything from quiet study and digital access to events and children's activities. Better lighting, insulation, and ventilation have created a more comfortable environment, while clearer zoning helps customers navigate the space with ease. These improvements enable Libraries NI to deliver services more efficiently and with greater focus on customer needs.

Libraries NI Chief Executive Dr Jim O'Hagan noted "We often talk about libraries as safe and welcoming spaces. These upgrades have helped turn that sentiment into a reality. Whether people are working, studying or simply relaxing with a book, the improved environment is designed to support their enjoyment, comfort and wellbeing."

Overcoming Obstacles with Innovation

Retrofitting existing buildings to such an exacting standard was not without its difficulties. Integrating new systems into decades-old infrastructure required a level of problem-solving that tested the limits of traditional project delivery.

Airtightness, for example, is a central requirement of EnerPHit but notoriously difficult to achieve in buildings not originally designed with that in mind. The solution involved painstaking detailing by contractors, with input from engineers, architects, and library staff to ensure every gap was sealed and every solution tested.

Additionally, the need to keep library services accessible during works required careful decanting, storage planning, and community engagement. Temporary relocations were arranged with minimal disruption, and regular updates reassured customers that their library service was not only continuing – it was evolving.

It took an enormous amount of co-ordination and communication to keep everything moving smoothly, especially behind the scenes.

National Recognition

The project's success didn't go unnoticed. In early 2025, Libraries NI was named runner-up in the EDGE2025 Awards – Physical Category for the refurbishment of Ballymoney Library. Ballymoney Library was also shortlisted in the Construction Excellence Awards for Northern Ireland.

Judges recognised the project's impact beyond Northern Ireland, showcasing how libraries across the UK can reimagine their spaces with sustainability at the forefront. Judges noted: "By prioritising energy efficiency over cosmetic changes, it features lovely eco-conscious design elements like birch trees and serves as a model for sustainable retrofits."

The recognition validated Libraries NI's approach and celebrated the incredible teamwork that made it all possible.

A Blueprint for the Future

Building on the success of Ballymoney, Killyleagh and Bessbrook, Libraries NI is already planning the next wave of sustainable refurbishments. The long-term strategy is to embed energy efficiency and customer comfort into every capital project, with performance data from the EnerPHit sites helping to shape future decisions.

This data-driven approach supports Libraries NI's commitment to its mission while adapting to the changing needs of local communities. It also reinforces the organisation's focus on sustainability, accessibility and community benefit across its estate.

Each refurbished library is not only a place for learning and engagement but now also a model for climate-conscious design and community resilience.

Reflecting on the projects, architect Kieran McCambridge said "So many older public buildings still waste lots of energy and still feel unpleasant for much of the year round.

"These refurbishments prove that there is a better path, one that cuts running costs, lowers carbon and secures the future of these vital public spaces, and we hope these projects inspire more organisations to retrofit rather than rebuild."

The EnerPHit project represents what Libraries NI stands for: connection, innovation, and care. It brought together staff from across the organisation to solve complex challenges, it delivered real-world benefits to communities, and it proved that even the most traditional of buildings can be reimagined for a sustainable future.

For customers walking into Ballymoney, Killyleagh, or Bessbrook libraries today, the positive changes are evident – a warmer space, a quieter atmosphere, a fresher feel in the air.

In the words of Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O'Hagan, "This project shows what is possible when we combine ambition with collaboration. Our libraries are more than buildings – they are trusted spaces that evolve with our communities. Leading the way in sustainability is just one more way we are making a difference."