King County Library System: Building Green Libraries

When new libraries are built and existing libraries are renovated, KCLS is taking steps to ensure that green standards are followed. This is especially important as enhancements are planned for all 43 KCLS libraries to meet community needs during the next decade. Although KCLS is not required to adhere to official green building standards, an environmentally friendly building approach is a priority. The principle is to build as greenly as possible, while being fiscally responsible.

There are five areas that green building standards target: site planning, water conservation, energy savings, recycled materials and the quality of the indoor environment. To ensure that KCLS libraries are built in accordance with acceptable green guidelines, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards are followed. The standards are well-known in the building industry, although fiscal responsibility prevents most KCLS libraries from gaining official certification.

There are a few unique projects, however, such as the new Burien Library. This library will be LEED-certified as it is being planned in conjunction with the new Burien City Hall and the city will fund some of the certification cost. The new Sammamish Library also is being designed with some additional green features, such as a partial green roof and radiant heating. To learn more, please visit www.kcls.org/bond/building_green.cfm.

To learn more about green living and other related topics, check out a special collection of green materials in the KCLS collection, called infoGreen, by visiting www.kcls.org/research/infogreen/.