The National Library of Wales
Library’s Rocket Launch
Mon, 18 May 09 11:48:00
As well as helping conserve Wales’ historic manuscripts, books and maps, The National Library of Wales is doing its bit to conserve the planet with the help of a rocket! The National Library launched its ‘rocket composter’, purchased with a grant of £17,307.50 from the Public Sector Resource Efficiency Equipment Fund provided by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The composter is designed to process up to 1200 litres of food waste per week and, with the addition of woodchip, convert it into compost within 14 days. It is a continual process that requires waste to be added and compost removed on a daily basis. Further details on the process can be found at www.quickcompost.co.uk.
Mark Mainwaring, Director of Corporate Services at the Library said, ‘The Library produces nearly 6.5 tonnes of food waste a year which goes into landfill. The composter will allow us to reduce this figure to almost zero, which will be of great benefit to the environment. In addition, the resulting compost can be used on Library grounds negating the need to purchase externally sourced material.’
The National Library of Wales has been a member of the Green Dragon Award Scheme for the past 3 years and is currently at level 2 status. This award recognises the Library’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through waste management schemes and investment in energy saving initiatives.
John Gittins, a member of the Library’s Board of Trustees said, ‘This is an excellent example of a national institution leading the way in sustainable development. It is an investment in our future that can be rolled out nationally to drastically reduce the impact of waste on the environment.’
For further information
Philippa Davies
Fundraising Executive: Trusts and Legacies
01970 632 511
