Welcome to Green Libraries
A website dedicated to documenting the greening of libraries in the United
States and beyond.
This site is frequently being updated. Check back to see the growing list of
libraries that are creating more environmental friendly and sustainable institutions.
This site also contains a list of green resources for assisting libraries who are
interested in becoming green.
What is a Green Building?
Under the LEED system of the US Green Building Council, a green building is
one that is built considering the following five design elements. Most green
building do not incorporate all of these elements. Builders choose those items
that are appropriate for their project.
A website dedicated to documenting the greening of libraries in the United
States and beyond.
This site is frequently being updated. Check back to see the growing list of
libraries that are creating more environmental friendly and sustainable institutions.
This site also contains a list of green resources for assisting libraries who are
interested in becoming green.
What is a Green Building?
Under the LEED system of the US Green Building Council, a green building is
one that is built considering the following five design elements. Most green
building do not incorporate all of these elements. Builders choose those items
that are appropriate for their project.
 | Promote Selection of Appropriate Sites and Enviornmentally Sustainable | |
| Site Development | ||
| Promote Efficient Use of Water Resources | |
| Conserve Energy, Use Renewable Energy and Protect Atmospheric | |
| Resources | ||
| Conserve Building Materials, Reduce Construction Waste and Sensibly | |
| Use Natural Resources | ||
| Protect and Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality | |
Green Libraries
 |  |  |  |
For information about why libraries should go green, see "Why Build Green?"
from the Rocky Mountain Institute and also Why Build Green? from the U.S.
Enivornmental Protection Agency.
from the Rocky Mountain Institute and also Why Build Green? from the U.S.
Enivornmental Protection Agency.
| Green Library Under Construction Spotlight Ritter Public Library, Vermilion, Ohio 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://ritter.lib.oh.us/programs.asp?BUILDINGBLOG |