I thought I would share some info we got on the issues around "Green Library".
 
Both Architectural Alliance and Cesar Pelli & Associates have in-house Sustainable Design specialists. and are LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.  They have adopted "Minnesota Sustainable Guildlines" for this building and are exploring:
 
 - Utilizing the District Energy and Cooling systems
 - Working with Excel Energy Assets program to achieve a low energy use
 - Natural shading and low impact landscaping
 - Ventilation which heats and cools only the lower seven feet of rooms with higher ceilings.
 - The reuse of gray water
 - Use of recycled building materials
 - Extensive use of natural lighting and systems that turn off artificial lighting when sunlight is available
 - Use of an inner light shelf that will bounce light into areas away from the window
 - Using experts in materials to maximize local and regonal material, recycled material, certified wood products, and materials with low life cycle impact
 - Air quality and occupancy sensors
 - Exterior with more clear glass on the north and less on the south
 - Low impact green planted roof and at minimum the use of a light colored roof to reduce heat
 - Recycled fly ash in the concrete mix
 - Concrete systems which will be a thermal mass to help regulating heating and cooling
 
In addition, a goal of recycling a minimum of 80% of the old building has been set. 
 
I hope this helps folks understand what is being discussed.
 
Carol Becker
Longfellow

Reply via email to