San Francisco Public Library demonstrates its strong commitment to the environment with the reopening of the renovated Parkside Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 6, the first San Francisco branch library designed and built to silver 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 Parkside 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 20% of the value of the building products and materials used are sourced locally – extracted, manufactured, and recovered within 500 miles of this library.
- Night lights
- We avoid using unneeded lights at night to reduce light pollution.
- Saving our energy
- Our energy demand is reduced, 18% better than code.
The Parkside 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 extensive natural light and reduce the use of electricity during daylight hours.
A fresh idea
Windows that open easily allow for natural ventilation, improve indoor air quality and reduce the need for artificial air conditioning.
This floor grows on trees!
Cork flooring is renewable and biodegradable. It is made of the outer bark of the cork oak and can be made from recycled wine corks.
Taming the temperature
We use roofing and exterior paving materials that reduce temperature changes in and around this building. This minimizes our impact on the microclimate and on wildlife habitat.
Play-to-Learn
An SFPL-conceived Play-to-Learn panel that helps budding environmentalists learn about recyclable materials through play.
Lowering the flow
Efficient fixtures such as dual-flush toilets, ultra low-flow lavatories, and low-flow kitchen sink are reducing water usage by 40%.
Climate controls
No chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants are used in the building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems.
Amazing glaze
High performance windows and walls save energy by maximizing the building’s heating and cooling systems.
Room for recycling
An easily accessible area is dedicated for the collection and storage recycling materials.
Transit friendly
This library is conveniently located near public transportation.
Pedal Power
Bicycle parking encourages library visitors to use environmentally friendly and health conscious modes of transportation.
