The Municipality of Voorschoten is installing solar panels on the library
Computers for looking up the latest titles. Coffee machines for enjoying a cappuccino while reading a magazine or newspaper. And, of course, all the lights, so that the halls and reading areas remain well-lit. Thanks to 26 new solar panels, the library in Voorschoten is now largely powered by sustainable electricity.
Councilman Paul de Bruijn, together with Esther Habers, director of the Voorschoten Library, officially put the solar panels into operation. Thanks to the installation of the solar panels, a large portion of the electricity needs for the coming years has been met in one go. In recent weeks, the lights have also been upgraded to LED, and work has begun on insulating the central heating system. In this way, the Municipality of Voorschoten is taking the next step toward making its municipal properties more sustainable.
Alderman De Bruijn, who oversees the Real Estate portfolio: “I’m very pleased that, in addition to LED lighting and insulation, we’ve now been able to install 26 solar panels. In addition to generating sustainable energy, this will immediately result in savings for our library. This will keep the library running smoothly for several more years.”
Collaboration
The installation of the solar panels was discussed and carried out in close collaboration with the library’s board. Director Esther Habers: “We’re committed to sustainability at the library as well—not only for the environment, but also to reduce our operating costs wherever possible. Thanks to the solar panels, the library spends less on energy, leaving more funds for the library and its collection. We are therefore incredibly pleased that the solar panels have now been installed, thanks to the municipality of Voorschoten.”
Making Municipal Real Estate More Sustainable
The library is not the first building in the municipality to undergo sustainability upgrades. Previously, solar panels, HR++ glass, and water pumps were installed, and LED lighting was set up at the Boschbloem and Alettahof community centers. The knowledge and experience gained from the community centers were applied to the work on the library’s roof. All of these efforts align well with the plans of the council and the municipal executive to strictly adhere to national climate measures.
More information
More general information about sustainability can be found on the municipal website:www.voorschoten.nl/duurzaam. The Sustainable Construction Help Desk www.duurzaambouwloket.nlis the national platform where people can go with questions about sustainable and climate-resilient construction. Atwww.voorschotenvoorduurzaamheid.nl, residents of Voorschoten can post their own sustainable ideas or initiatives.