San Francisco Public Library demonstrates its strong commitment to the environment with the reopening of the renovated Merced Branch Library on Saturday, May, 14th, the fourth San Francisco branch library renovated to gold certification standards under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
Among the green features at the Merced Branch Library:
- Preserved for the future
- Most of this building's existing exterior is preserved in this renovation. This extends the structure's lifecycle, conserves resources, reduces waste and the environmental impacts of new building materials while retaining a cultural resource.
- A local library
- Over 10% of the value of the building products and materials used are sourced locally – extracted, manufactured, and recovered within 500 miles of this library.
- We renew
- Recycled materials are used throughout the building's interior.
- Night lights
- We avoid using unneeded lights at night to reduce light pollution.
The Merced Branch Library renovation serves as a model of green construction practices, including:
- Waste not
- We recycled or salvaged at least 75% of the construction waste when building this library.
- Breathe easier
- The paints, adhesives and sealants in this building contain only low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), reducing the amount of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritating or harmful.
- Pollution prevention
- We controlled soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation during construction activities.
Let the sun shine in
Windows provide natural light and reduce the use of electricity.
Transit friendly
This library is conveniently located near public transportation.
Amazing glaze
High performance window glazing saves energy by maximizing the library's heating and cooling systems.
Taming the temperature
We use roofing and exterior paving materials that reduce the heat island effect (thermal gradient differences between developed and natural areas). This minimizes our impact on the microclimate and on wildlife habitat.
Night lights
By directing the exterior lighting we reduce light pollution to the surrounding environment.
Going with the flow
Our landscaped bioswales remove silt and pollution from stormwater runoff.
A bright idea
High performance lighting fixtures use less electricity and need to be replaced less frequently.
Climate controls
Zero chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants are used in the building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems.
A fresh idea
Windows that open allow for natural ventilation, improve indoor air quality and eliminate the need for artificial air conditioning.
Clean and green
We use environmentally sound products and practices for cleaning this Library.
Room for recycle
An easily accessible area is dedicated for recycling.
We renew
Recycled materials are used throughout the building's interior.
Lowering the flow
Efficient fixtures such as low-flow faucets reduce water usage by 35%.
