Top 10 Green Libraries Around the World
Top 10 Green Libraries Around the World
Libraries are always considered as a storehouse and treasure of knowledge; as such, one can be rest assured to get authorized, organized and relevant information to aid research and learning, make informed decisions and solve one's information needs. The importance of libraries cannot be overemphasized. They have long been in existence and would continue to be.
The traditional libraries are characterized by having large numbers of printed materials, a high consumption of energy for cooling the atmosphere, operating equipment, and providing light; a high generation of waste amongst other actions that have come at a cost to the environment.
In recent times, pressing environmental challenges like climate change and global warming have forced many institutions, including libraries to re-evaluate their operations and embrace sustainability.
In this article, we will explore 10 libraries around the world that have employed green practices and set the pace for others to follow. Keep reading!
10 Green Libraries Around the World
Green Libraries are libraries that adopt sustainable practices like the use of natural and recycled materials, environmental-friendly technology, fresh and natural air, energy-efficient lighting etc. Such libraries strive to reduce negative impact on the environment and maximize environmental quality.
Below is an outline of 10 top green libraries around the world:
1. National Library of Singapore: This library is situated over a naturally-ventilated/open air civic plaza. This shields the library from the afternoon sun, prevents direct sun rays from getting into the building and ensures that there's evaporative cooling and lower ambient temperature. Users are treated to an indoor garden, a hydroponic room and a view of nature. Here are some of the green features of the National Library of Singapore:
a) Smart technology that reduces energy consumption.
b) Light shelves
c) Quality indoor environment
d) Escalators with motion sensor
2. Seattle Central Library, USA: The Seattle Library has a lauduable number of eco-friendly elements, which includes:
a) Natural light
b) Energy efficiency: this is acheived by maximizing natural light and using displacement ventilation.
c) Recycling and waste management
d) Location: the library is built near public transportation to ensure reduced carbon emissions.
3. Calgary Public Library, Canada: The Calgary Public Library has attained a LEED Gold certification because of its commitment to sustainability and green practices. The library is further characterized by the following green elements:
a) Energy efficiency: the library makes use of energy-efficient systems and building upgrades that helps save energy costs and consumption. This has enabled the library to save over 26% energy cost.
b) Quality air: the library has an increased outdoor air volume.
c) Sustainable materials: the materials used in this library have little or no impact on the environment.
d) Water management: the use of water is minimized due to the water-saving fixtures and systems in place. An example of this is storm water storage for irrigation.
e) Healthy transportation: the library is situated near public transit, and this helps to contribute to the reduction of gas emissions associated with vehicle use. The library also provides secure bicycle storage and commuter facilities to encourage healthy transportation.
4. Sydney Library - Green Square Library, Australia: The Green Square Library has acheived a 5-star green star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Here are some of its sustainability features:
a) Natural lighting and ventilation: the energy needed for powering artificial lighting is reduced because the library greatly incorporates natural light and ventilation.
b) Water efficiency: it uses water-efficient fixtures and a rain harvesting system.
c) Sustainable and innovative spaces: the library houses a subterranean garden, an open air amphitheater and a six-story glass tower that creates captivating spaces for reading, learning and socializing, thereby fostering education and community engagement.
d) Sustainable materials: the building of the library was constructed with recycled, low impact and environmental friendly materials.
e) Waste management: the library uses recycling and composition waste management systems.
5. San Francisco Public Library, USA: this library is a pioneer in sustainable library design and practices. It has an initiative called “Green Stacks”, which is a detailed approach to sustainability. Some of its key green features are:
a) Green building design: the library incorporates energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.
b) Renewable energy: the library utilizes renewable energy sources to power its technological tools, thereby reducing carbon footprint.
c) Waste reduction: the San Francisco Library makes efforts to reduce paper use and waste.
d) Water conservation
e) Community engagement: the library educates the community on the sustainable efforts made by the library through workshops, partnerships etc.
6. Stellenbosch University Library, South Africa: Stellenbosch University is one of the leading academic institutions in South Africa. Her library has pioneered laudable green initiatives, which includes:
a) Energy efficiency: it uses efficient lighting systems, smart thermostats and optimized building design that reduces carbon footprint.
b) Water conservation and management: efficient plumbing systems and rain water harvesting are employed to minimize water consumption.
c) Waste management: the library promotes resource conservation, waste diversion from landfills and recycling of materials.
d) Education and awareness: the university community are being educated on sustainability and eco-friendly practices from time to time.
e) Green procurement: the library procures environmental friendly products.
7. The National Library of Netherlands, also known as the “Koninklijke Bibliotheek” (KB) is another library at the forefront of promoting sustainability. Its green features includes:
a) Paper reduction: the library promotes digital resources and encourages the use of e-documents, in order to reduce paper consumption.
b) Digitalization: the library digitizes her collections, thereby reducing the need for physical storage and also saving space and energy.
c) Green procurement
d) Energy efficiency
8. Christchurch City Library, New Zealand: This library is a testament to receiving beauty for one's ashes. In 2011, it experienced a terrible earthquake that resulted in great losses; however when it was to be rebuilt, it had the opportunity of being converted to a green space/library. It is characterized by a sustainable design, energy efficiency, water conservation, community engagement and green spaces for experiencing nature and improving air quality.
9. Stockholm Public Library, Sweden: The Stockholm Library has implemented several sustainable practices, and it continually strives to reduce its environmental impact. Just like the other libraries mentioned above, its energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction initiative, natural light and ventilation, and use of eco-friendly materials that what distinguishes it.
10. Taipei Public Library, Beitou Branch, Taiwan: This library has a leading example of sustainable architecture and eco-friendly design. It is the first building in Taiwan to receive the Green Building Certification. Its green features includes:
a) Renewable energy source: it uses solar, and this helps to allow for reduced carbon emissions.
b) Natural lighting
c) Rain water collection
d) Natural ventilation
e) Green roof
f) Eco-friendly building materials
Conclusion:
This article focused on 10 green libraries, in no particular order, across the world that are worthy of emulation.
Contributed by
OreOluwa Adekunle.
Afrelib Volounteer