A Website for Information about Green and Sustainable Libraries
Green Libraries
monika
Libraries are arranged alphabetically within each designation.
Entry format:
Name of library (URL). City, State Abbreviation.
Description highlights. If available building information URL.
The Fountaindale Public Library is one of the first public projects and the first library to pursue LEED certification in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The project has incorporated a green roof for most of the roof surface. The lighting for both interior and exterior uses has been designed and controlled to reduce the overall light pollution for the project’s suburban location. Domestic plumbing fixtures have been selected to reduce water usage by up to 40%. The library’s mechanical systems were designed to reduce energy costs over the ASHRAE baseline by a minimum of 24.5% and the facility will be commissioned in order to maintain that the building’s systems perform to the highest achievable level. New building materials used to construct the library will contain both recycled and regionally-sourced content as well as certified wood and low-emitting paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and carpets. The project is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2011. After the library is operating, the staff will continue to implement a low-mercury lamp purchasing program, a green housekeeping program and a sustainable education program in an effort to extend the library’s environmental stewardship goals into the community. Building Information: http://www.fountaindale.org/new-building.html
Ritter is striving to be the first library in the state of Ohio to win gold LEED certification for a building expansion project expected to be completed in 2010. The expansion uses environmentally responsible designs and low-emitting and recycled-content materials. Rainwater management systems include a green roof, a bioswale, open-grid pavement in the parking lot, and a stormwater collection system. Energy efficiency will be boosted by a white roof, white concrete in the parking lot, an efficient heat-recovery system, solar shades and a lighting control system. Materials from the demolition of an existing building were recycled, including crushed concrete that went directly into the new building site. Building information: http://ritterpubliclibrary.org/archives/1321
With a completion date of March 2010, Cooroy Library will host an impressive array of green building features. The building has been cut into the ground, providing thermal mass on the eastern and southern sides which helps to warm and cool the building. A covering of soil and grass will be placed on the roof as well as photo voltaic cells, capable of generating 5kW of green power. Solar chimneys have also been integrated within the roof structure. Solar heating of hot water will occur using roof mounted solar collector heat exchangers. High levels of diffused natural lighting have been provided to the building through glass walls and high windows. Natural ventilation is also a feature of the building operations. A 20,000 liter (5283 gallon) below ground rainwater harvesting tank will be used for both the irrigation of the landscape as well as for toilet and urinal flushing within the library. Building information: http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=cooroy-library
Copyright 2009 Monika Antonelli. All rights reserved.
Green Libraries
monika