Towards a zero energy building

THE COMMUNITY LIBRARY on Waiheke Island was completed in mid-2014 with an intention from the outset to produce a very low-energy building. The installation of a modest 128 m" of photovoltaic (PV) panels in mid-2015 means the building can now be benchmarked against a net zero energy building. It is currently generating more electricity than it uses, with an excess yield during the summer months. Further monitoring will reveal how close the library is to being a zero energy building with increased output from the PVs and additional energy savings.