Check out the “Spread the Word at Work” resources from ENERGY STAR. Includes a “Green Team Checklist”
“Green Team Checklist”
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Tag Archives: facility
The future of cloud computing
The Pew Internet & American Life Project released a new report on June 11, 2010: “The future of cloud computing”
“By 2020, most people won’t do their work with software running on a general-purpose PC. Instead, they will work in Internet-based applications such as Google Docs, and in applications run from smartphones.”
What will this mean for libraries? Some possibilities:
- Less servers = smaller electric bill for the library
- PCs purchased for patron use will not be configured the way the PCs we are buying today are; may possibly be just a box and monitor connected to the internet = cheaper hardware, less manufacturing
- Size of PCs can diminish, taking up smaller footprint in library space
- the report predicts that “the desktop will not die out but it will be used in new, improved ways in tandem with remote computing“
- Apps for smartphones from the library (catalog, databases, library’s web site) = digital library will take on new and different forms, people using services and facilities in different ways
- Robust broadband connection = more, more, more
- More power outlets for charging laptops/smartphones = design considerations
- Software licensing a thing of the past? Open source options (Google Docs, Linux, etc.) meet the needs of patrons without costing the library = staff training issues, budget impact?
- More to come… I’m sure!
“Let Green Creep”
Check out two great articles that came out in May, one written by Louise Schaper, the other a Q&A with her:
- in the Spring issue of Library by Design, “Let Green Creep“
- in the 5.15.10 issue of Library Journal, “Lead with Green“
Louise is the former (now retired) director of the Fayetteville Public Library (AK). She spearheaded one of the first LEED libraries in the country and in recognition of her achievements Fayetteville was named LJ Library of the year in 2005.
In the Let Green Creep article Louise speaks to the issue of greening operations, not just a facility. It is an important lesson to be “green all over,” to not let greening end once your building gets its certificate of occupancy but to really live green in a green building.
Greening Presentation for Onondaga County Public Library 5.7.10
Greening Your Library – Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
View more presentations from Rebekkah.
Upgrade to LEDs or the Easter Bunny Gets It!
Chocolate Bunny Melts Under Incandescent Light, Survives LED Light
“A chocolate bunny is placed under a 65W incandescent light and a 12W Cree LRP-38 LED lights. About 90 minutes later, the chocolate bunny under the incandescent light melts since about 90 percent of energy from them is emitted as heat. Energy efficient LED lights produce significantly less heat.” CreeInc
Ann Arbor District Library (MI)
Josie B. Parker of the Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan spoke at the PLA Conference last week about their commitment to sustainable building. Josie was a speaker I heard at PLA in 2004 that first lit the spark for me about the importance for public libraries to go green. She even graciously lent us her PowerPoint presentation she had done for my 2006 Green Libraries Program at the Mid-Hudson Library System: Going Green: Building a Sustainable Library This has become attributed to us but really it was Josie’s!
Green Policy
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.
2030 Challenge
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.”
- 60% in 2010
Welcome to Sustainable Libraries
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