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Research on energy savings opportunities in libraries.
The specific research question investigated in this project is whether energy usage can be signifi cantly reduced by care- fully monitored and risk-managed shutdowns of Air Handling Units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces with- out compromising the quality of the preservation environment. In addition, the research involves several subsidiar y questions:
- What are the best ways to defi ne and identify collectionsspaces that are good candidates for shutdowns?
- What tools are needed to measure energy use and the effectsof environmental changes on the conditions of collections?
- What procedures for collaboration among facilities and li-brary/preservation staff are required?
- What other barriers to implementation exist?
- What kinds of tools and protocols are needed for libraries tocarry out these approaches without outside help?
In addition to methodology and early results, this paper will discuss lessons learned to this point in the research process, unexpected findings, and the potential impact in cost-savings of these practices.
Energy savings and preservation in libraries and archives.
Green library receives $60,000 for solar panels
Sun shines on green library initiative By Laura Crimaldi 10/14/2008- Boston Herald Massachusetts is offering $5 million to entice municipalities to go green when they renovate or build new libraries. The green incentives are available to 31 cities and towns that were awarded $95 million in construction grants in August by the state Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), said director Robert C. Maier. Those towns were on a waiting list for cash for three years before the Legislature approved the money in a bond bill in July. "We're trying to exert a little bit of leadership on this, but it's not as though we're doing something that's radical," said Maier. Municipalities that were awarded library construction money must submit a letter of intent by Nov. 3 to qualify for the incentive, according to the MBLC. So far, libraries in Walpole, Shrewsbury, Dartmouth, Mashpee, Belchertown, Buckland and Westhampton have followed up, said MBLC spokeswoman Celeste Bruno. The incentive would amount to 5 percent of a community's state grant, or $100,000, whichever is greater. The grants ranged from $87,000 to $5.3 million, data show. The library must keep to Leadership in Energy and Environmental standards about water consumption, energy use, environmental impact, construction waste, indoor air quality, use of alternative energy sources and use of efficient heating and cooling systems to qualify for the incentives. North Adams is home to the state's only green public library. The western Massachusetts city achieved certification during a $4.3 million renovation in 2005, said director Marcia Gross. The library has a photovoltaic array on its roof and geothermal system in the basement. "We're happy with the building because it's such a healthy building to be in. The air exchange and the temperature is always pleasant," Gross said. Maier said he hopes that the extra cash will help green building elements survive the construction cost chopping block. "Many of these projects have focused on green technology but what typically happens as cost estimates come in and maybe they're right up against the budget, one of the first things to get cut out is some of the green elements," Maier said. Belmont, which is planning a $24 million library, is considering green elements for its project. No decisions have been made about whether to pursue certification, said director Maureen Conners. Their project was awarded $5.3 million from the state. In Gloucester, library director Carol Gray said green building is on the back burner until the city secures local funding of $12 million.
Photovoltaic energy and library: the experience of Mataró
The city of Mataró took advantage of the construction of a new library to experiment with this type of renewable energy and to create a prototype building to demonstrate this growing technology.
It’s not easy being green Or is it?
It is encouraging to read about the many green movements happening in libraries nationwide. The April 2008 edition of American Libraries highlighted libraries that have gone green recently with either LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifi ed buildings or renovations with reused or recycled materials. However, if an ecofriendly remodel is not in the foreseeable future at your library, there are other environmental initiatives your library can take.
Paper Recycling and Academic Libraries
Academic libraries, as centers for print materials for their campuses, have much to offer to paper recycling activities. A successful paper recycling program can enhance the morale of the library staff, reduce waste handling fees for the institution and strengthen the relationship between the library and other units in the campus community. This study reviews the literature on recycling and libraries, describes a feasibility study of a public-private partnership between a medium-sized academic library and a local vendor and discusses the outcomes of a study compared to the experiences of other libraries. The feasibility study focused on identifying cost-effective measures for making outdated serials, deselected books and office paper available for recycling
Green Buildings Paint Bright Future
Global warming has become an issue of international concern, and many nations have introduced laws or policies designed to cut emission of greenhouse gases, with the majority of attention focused on cars that burn gasoline or diesel fuel. In fact, homes, factories and office buildings are responsible for far more carbon-dioxide emissions than vehicles. This article, the first of two, explains how architects and engineers are striving to create “green” buildings that inflict less damage to the environment. Taiwan Journal regular contributor Steven Crook investigates