It ain't easy being green... or is it?

Every time I blog a library conference session, I am reminded of Kermit the frog starting his reports, "Kermit the frog here." So... Brenda Hough here, reporting from the White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where I am attending the West Virginia Library Association Conference. MaintainIT has a table in the exhibit hall and I am presenting, too. During quiet times at the exhibits, I sneak away to attend sessions. This afternoon's report is from a session called "What's Red on the Outside and Green on the Inside?" presented by Steve Christo from the Cabell County Public Library. His presentation highlighted green features of the new Salt Rock branch of the Cabell County system.

What makes a green library?

Steve Christo, Cabell County Public Library 

Probably everyone has green features in their library already. Monitors that turn themselves off, etc. Being green means choosing features and design that are energy efficient.  There is being green and there is being green certified. LEED is the organization that certifies green libraries. Due to the high cost of being LEED certified, Cabell County decided not to pursue the certification.

Green features of the library include:

• High efficiency HVAC system
• No Freon, R410a refrigerant instead
• Carpeting has a high content of recycled materials (Shaw's Eco Works Line). When Salt Rock decides to replace theSalt Rock  Branch, under construction carpet, they can send this carpet back to Shaw for recycling.
• Low V.O.C paints and finishes
• Steel siding and roof panels are recyclable
• Water saving toilets
• Operable windows
• Fluorescent lighting and energy efficient bulbs
• Lights posts in parking lot point down (reduce light pollution)
• Lots of trees, shrubs, and native plants outside

What can your library do to be green?

It does not require a new building. Start small. Anytime you need to replace something, consider replacing it with something more energy efficient and environmentally friendly

 Kudos to Cabell County for this innovative building! Thanks, Steve, for a great presentation (complete with sound effects)!

When the presentation is available online, I will link to it from here. 

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