Join the GIA and Glasgow Women’s Library to hear about their journey towards operational net zero.
Glasgow Women’s Library is based in a Category B-listed building in the east end of Glasgow, and is home to a vast collection of books and archive materials recording and celebrating women’s lives and achievements. In 2021, they commissioned a Net Zero Handbook from Dress for the Weather Architects – a phased plan of building improvements that will significantly reduce the 120-year old sandstone building’s carbon emissions.
In late 2025 the first phase of the plan was completed with three different insulation measures installed to improve the thermal envelope of the building. This process took nearly two years – from fundraising and finding the most suitable insulation technologies, to installation while the library remained open to facilitate their programme of exhibitions and events. GWL is now looking ahead to the next stages of service improvements and installing renewable energy sources, striving to reach operational net zero by 2030.
Join us for a presentation from the project architect Matt McKenna (Dress For the Weather) and GWL’s Facilities Management Officer Annika Norrvik to find out more about this building’s journey so far, future plans and the challenges of balancing energy efficiency measures with its historic character. This will be followed by a tour of the building, and refreshments will be served.
5.30 - 6.15pm Tea and coffee, presentation
6.15 - 7pm Tour of the building
Venue and Accessibility: The Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the mezzanine and archive.
There are power-assisted doors in to the Main Library space, from the Main Library to the lift, and from the lift and Gallery to the Community Room.
Please note that Bridgeton train station is currently not wheelchair-accessible. The closest wheelchair-accessible station is Dalmarnock Station, which is approximately 3/4 mile (1.2 km) from the Library. There is level access from nearby bus stops on London Road and Bridgeton Cross to the Library.
We have accessible toilets on the ground and first floors, and all the Glasgow Women’s Library bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our accessible toilets are fitted with toilet alarms.
Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available for elsewhere in the library – please let a member of staff know if you require this when you visit the Library or send us an email to info@womenslibrary.org.uk to arrange this in advance.
More information can be found on GWL’s website here: https://womenslibrary.org.uk/about-us/accessibility/
Tickets via Eventbrite: GIA Sustainability Talks and Tours 04_Glasgow Women’s Library Tickets, Thursday, Apr 30 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm | Eventbrite