Babinda Library has been given an energy-efficient makeover and members of the public are invited to learn about the new features at a community launch this week.
Cairns Solar
As part of Cairns Regional Council’s Climate Change Strategy, council buildings are being retrofitted with renewable energy components and features to reduce energy consumption.
With funding from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a 4kW solar energy system has been installed at Babinda Library, providing green electricity to power the building and the potential to return leftover energy into the electricity grid.
It is expected to save Council approximately $1740 a year, plus any energy that is fed back into the grid.
The roof of the library has been painted with heat-reflective paint to reduce radiant heat from entering the building and energy-efficient lighting has been installed.
“By cooling the building to reduce air-conditioning and using energy-efficient lighting, the library can cut down its energy usage by about $300 a year on current electricity prices,” Council’s Sustainability Officer, Maree Grenfell, said.
“During the past year, Council has installed 60kW of Cairns solar energy on waste water treatment plants, Gordonvale Community Hall, the new Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre and now on the Babinda Library.”
Mayor Val Schier said Council was reducing the risk of increasing electricity prices by installing Cairns solar energy systems in Council buildings.
“This reduction in operating cost will be passed on to ratepayers in the future,” Cr Schier said.
“By installing renewable energy, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint, but reducing our reliance on coal power stations to the south and the risk of power supply cuts.”
A free community launch will be held at Babinda Library on Thursday, July 28, from 10.30am to 11.30am. It will include a workshop on how to reduce energy consumption at home, using renewable energy and improving your lifestyle.
Morning tea and giveaways will be provided. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.
Published by The Cairns Regional Council
