Author Archives: Rebekkah

Commitment From the Top: “do good and do well at the same time”

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Libraries have a lot of policies to contend with – patron code of conduct, personnel, and oh-so-many more – so it is understandable that not many libraries have adopted green or sustainability policies.

In the grand tradition of learning from others take a look at how other industries are stating their commitment to “be green” – is this part of their marketing ploys? Why yes, of course. But there is a smidge of hope in all of this, someone, somewhere in these companies does actually care about this stuff and is assigned to work on it I’m sure:

  • FujiFilm: “At Fujifilm we are working to shrink our carbon footprint and water footprint, use natural resources and packaging materials more efficiently, and minimize waste generation and environmental risk.”
  • Loews Hotels & Resorts: “committed to being environmentally responsible and will make steady, measured progress in our efforts. We will seek every reasonable opportunity to incorporate “green” standards and practices into all aspects of our business. We will identify and mandate specific brand-wide practices that embrace our responsibility and we will make prudent investments in technologies and programs that will allow us to do good and do well at the same time.”
  • Google’s Green Employee Program – can I just say: “Wow.”

Green Policy

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Here are two examples of a green policy. The first, from a public library, is a great example of trying to create a comprehensive approach to greening the institution. The second, from an academic library, is more like a mission statement to allow the organization to address the issue. Both give license to the leaders of the organization to pursue greening the library and allow them to promote a commitment to greening to their internal and external audiences.

  1. The Wells Branch Community Library
  2. Birkbeck Library @Birkbeck University of London

Sustainable Spectrum ©

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Greening libraries is so interesting because there is a significant spectrum of options for libraries to choose from, from the simple and inexpensive – if not free – (CFLs, recycling, power settings on computers, programs for the public), to the elaborate and expensive (or at least seemingly expensive when just looking at first-costs) (geothermal, greywater systems, solar electric systems).

Thinking of “going green” holistically is a bit overwhelming because it can impact every area of library operations: construction; facility maintenance – cleaning, air quality, landscaping, etc.; purchasing – paper, cups, cleaning supplies; technology; collection development; programming; messaging; funding….but we have to start somewhere.

Don’t dismiss the idea of “going green” because you think it only applies to libraries lucky enough to be building new or expanding their facility.

This week I’ll be taking a look at libraries who have implemented green policies and sharing them.

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2030 Challenge

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Keeping an eye on this as more and more state governments are legislating similar goals: http://www.architecture2030.org/

Here’s the gist of the Challenge:

“Architecture 2030 has issued The 2030 Challenge asking the global architecture and building community to adopt the following targets:

  • All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
  • At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
  • The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major renovations shall be increased to:
    60% in 2010
    70% in 2015
    80% in 2020
    90% in 2025
    Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate).

    These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on-site renewable power and/or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.”

Welcome to Sustainable Libraries

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Welcome to Sustainable Libraries. Libraries + Green/Sustainable Buildings is something I strongly believe in.

Libraries connect communities, provide opportunity for anyone interested and are in just about every community in the country – what better place for people to learn how sustainable building practices can change the world.

My day job involves helping libraries find sustainable support to keep their doors open in the form of funding and people power. So it’s all related for me: Sustainable Libraries are libraries that invest in themselves and their legacy throughout their organization – the facility, community connection, collection, technology and staff.

I hope you’ll join me as we watch and collaborate with libraries around the country who are doing their best for their local and global communities.

-Rebekkah