I realize the green tips of the week are meant to be helping us to think of ways we can be more green...but I've found all the work that's been going into making the King Library itself more green to be rather fascinating.
I thought I would share some of the different segments of the King Library LEED certification process as a series over a the next couple of weeks.
What is LEED certification?
LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is an internationally recognized green building certification ratings program.
Using a system of points, the program evaluates the design, construction, and operation of a building with regards to environmentally responsible resource efficiency like water/energy savings, as well as human and environmental health, such as reduced pollution/chemicals/land degradation.
Since environmental standards are constantly changing, LEED certification awards are only valid for 5 years. Buildings and facilities can then apply for recertification, but will need to adhere to any new or upgraded environmental standards.
There are four levels of certification based on the point accrual system: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The King Library was built according to silver certification standards for a new building.
We are currently pursuing the certification process under the standards for an existing building, based upon the King Library's operation in an environmentally friendly manner.
There is a LEED certification team working on a checklist for the King Library that is tracking areas in which we may earn points in various categories.
One of these categories is a Sustainable Site.
What is a 'Sustainable Site'?
A 'Sustainable Site' refers to the management of the land, location and building in a manner that will not deplete natural resources, degrade the surrounding environment, or be toxic to workers and the surrounding areas.
Here are some ways in which the King Library is working to earn points for LEED certification in this category:
*Planting less thirsty plants near the building will use less water and prevent soil erosion by rain and wind.
*Selecting a building exterior that does not require paint or cleaning
*Choosing a location in an already developed area (reusing an existing library site)
*Combining the City and University Library into a single building freed up the former buildings for other departments to use (reusing buildings)
*Easy walking access to local essential services such as banks, grocery stores, parks, post office, museums, gyms, senior and child care centers.
*Easy access to alternative transportation such as bus, light rail, carpools, vanpools, electric car charging stations, and public/employee bicycle racks.
*Reducing solar heat in the local area by using light-colored materials for the library roof, more planted areas, and multi-leveled parking areas (as opposed to a single parking lot made of blacktop asphalt that would hold, instead of reflect, heat.)
Green Tip of the Week: Consider if any of these ideas can be applied to a sustainable site near you.
Are you planning a construction project at home? Maybe think about having it built out of light-colored materials?
Have you thought about getting more plants in your living space? Maybe consider ones that don't need as much water?
Here's the campus webpage that discusses the Sustainable Site category for the King Library:
http://www.sjsu.edu/fdo/energy/sustainability/king_lib_leed/kingleed1ss/
Here's a webpage that describes Sustainable Site in more detail:
http://www.nps.gov/dsc/d_publications/d_1_gpsd_5_ch5.htm
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