Address: 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Library key sustainability features;
SUSTAINABLE SITE PLANING

The library site at Santa Monica Blvd. and Sixth Street was reused and redeveloped. The Main Library is served by several Big Blue Bus lines and has bike parking. Use of alternative methods of transportation reduces pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. An approved erosion control plan was implemented during construction. Underground parking eliminates large, paved surfaces exposed to sunlight. The building’s Energy Star™ roof is treated to reflect sunlight. These design elements reduce “heat
islands,” which contribute to higher summer temperatures and smog. The roof also reduces heat gain in the building that improves energy efficiency. Electric car charging stations are planned for the parking structure.

CONSERVATION OF MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
LEED practices took place before the Library opened, including the replanting of trees formerly on the construction site and the recycling of demolished building materials. Easily accessible areas throughout the building are designated for the separation, collection, and storage of materials for recycling. More than 50 percent of building materials contain significant recycled content, including the carpet, terrazzo flooring, restroom tile, acoustical ceiling and wall panels, drywall, concrete, and the structural
steel. At least 20 percent of the building’s materials were manufactured locally. More than 50 percent of new wood in the ceiling and walls is certified to originate from sustainable forests.

ENHANCED INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Smoking is not allowed inside the library, or within 20 feet of the entry. The parking structure is monitored for carbon monoxide levels and is designed to maintain levels that will sustain long-term occupant health and comfort and save energy by optimizing ventilation effectiveness. Fresh air is mixed into the mechanical system to support the health, safety, and comfort of people in the building. A “raised” floor in most areas offers better under-floor air distribution throughout the new library. Filters within the mechanical system were used during construction to prevent contamination from the construction process. The building was “flushed” prior to opening to the public. This process involves running the mechanical system for two weeks following the completion of construction, and bringing 100 percent fresh air into the building. All filters were then replaced to remove construction-related contaminants from the system.
All paint on the walls and steel structure, as well as all adhesives and sealants, are low VOC (volatile organic compounds), containing little or none of the dangerous chemicals commonly found in these materials. “Walk-off” mats in entryways help prevent pollutants from being tracked into the library. Temperature is controlled and monitored with the use of sensors throughout the building.
Many of the Main Library’s architectural features, including multiple entrances, the paseo, garden courtyards, windows, and especially the second level “belvedere” feature, enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, providing 75 percent access to daylight in regularly occupied spaces and affording library visitors great views. The extensive curtain wall window system provides a line of sight to windows from 90 percent of the regularly-occupied spaces. The window covering system allows control over direct sunlight and helps reduce heat gain. Windows in most office spaces are operable.

WATER MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
As part of a storm-water management plan, a 200,000 gallon cistern was constructed under the building to hold and filter rainwater runoff from the roof, keeping it from overburdening the storm water system. The storm water stored in the cistern is used to irrigate the landscaped garden areas. The plants and trees surrounding the library were chosen because they lend themselves to water
conservation and a reduced need for pest control and maintenance. Low-flow restroom faucets and toilets conserve water.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND BUILDING ATMOSPHERE
No ozone depleting CFC or HCFC-based (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants were used in the building’s heating or cooling systems.
The building is designed to be 30 percent more efficient than a building that is built to just meet local energy code. This is accomplished through the use of: a photovoltaic energy system; energy-efficient, high-performance, dual-glazed windows; insulation; and a day lighting system which lessens the need for artificial light on sunny days. Solar electric panels are installed on the roof to generate renewable energy for the building. All City buildings are powered by 100% renewable energy purchased under contract.

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
The library’s sustainability collection provides a wide range of relevant books, magazines, and audiovisual materials that can be checked out. You’ll find material on subjects as diverse as interior design and architecture, sustainable landscaping and organic gardening, water conservation, sustainable living and social responsibility.

The Library offers docent lead tours the third Friday of the month at 12:30 pm. The tours cover all aspects of the building: the library collections, history, art, architecture and the sustainable features of the building.

In 2007, the library launched the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature. The Green Prize has been created to encourage and commend authors, illustrators, and publishers who produce quality books for adults and young people that make significant contributions to, support the ideas of, and broaden public awareness of sustainability.

You can also visit the City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment website to see how you can protect the environment for a more sustainable future for our community.

Text from: http://smpl.org
Pics from http://www.moorerubleyudell.com