We are currently supporting Glasgow Women’s Library with their long-term goal to achieve operational carbon neutrality. Our design and specification is designated as net-zero, using targets and definitions issued by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a measure for this in relation operational energy use.

The first, completed, phase of the project was to develop a feasibility study exploring the various fabric, operational and service upgrades that need to be undertaken in order to achieve net-zero.

This element of the project is known as the ‘Net Zero Handbook’ and involves energy modelling, services appraisals, renewable technology and operational improvements. These have been developed and communicated to the community through a programme of events at GWL. These measures explore, in detail, the heritage and operational challenges with the building in order to produce a practical and realistic plan for an ambitious project.

Following the Net Zero Handbook, Dress for the Weather have led the current phase of works from RIBA Stage 3-5 with capital funding granted for fabric works which include insulation strategies for 4no. different conditions within the Grade-B listed building.

A further programme of works will aim to follow with on-site renewables and services upgrade.