Ortega, Tour Virtual

San Francisco Public Library demonstrates its strong commitment to the environment with the grand opening of the new Ortega Branch Library on Saturday, September 10th, the seventh San Francisco branch library 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 Ortega Branch Library:

Clean and green

We use environmentally sound products and practices for cleaning this Library.

Room for recycling

An easily accessible area is dedicated for recycling.

Good wood

We use regionally sourced and rapidly renewable materials, such as Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

On target

"Commissioning" is a testing process that verifies that all the building’s mechanical and electrical systems are installed, calibrated and performing efficiently.

The Ortega 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.

A local library

Over 20% of building products and materials used were sourced locally – extracted, manufactured, and recovered within 500 miles of this library.

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Night lights

By directing the exterior lighting we reduce light pollution to the surrounding environment.

Let the sun shine in

Windows provide natural light and reduce the use of electricity.

Amazing glaze

High performance window glazing saves energy by maximizing the library’s heating and cooling systems.

Watering Down

We've reduced the amount of water we use by 60% with the installation of efficient landscape irrigation systems.

Our plants are green too!

We selected native and adapted plants that are well-suited to our climate, and require less water than traditional ground covers such as grass.

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.

Going with the flow

Our landscaped bioswales remove silt and pollution from stormwater runoff.

It's Alive!

A living roof with native species plantings reduces the library's carbon footprint by reducing heat island effects and capturing rain water.

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.

Breathe deeply...

You can because this wood composite is made without formaldehyde (which gives off harmful fumes that can cause breathing problems).

Breathe easier

The paints, adhesives and sealants in this building contain only low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), reducing odorous or harmful indoor air contaminants.

A fresh idea

Windows that open allow for natural ventilation, improve indoor air quality and eliminate the need for artificial air conditioning.

Lowering the flow

Efficient fixtures such as low-flow faucets reduce water usage by 40%.

We renew

Recycled materials are used throughout the building's interior.

Good wood

We use regionally sourced and rapidly renewable materials, such as Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

We're green underneath

The floor you're standing on is elevated above electrical and data cables so we can easily rearrange furniture or equipment without replacing the floor, which saves resources.