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Birds of a Feather Session at the BC Library Assn. Conference, 2009
7:13 PM EDT 5/15/09
West Vancouver Memorial Library
Recycling & Going Green
Accomplishments
Public Awareness & Education
Design posters and an Earth Day banner to promote recycling
Purchasing more materials on Carbon Footprint, Clean Technology, Climate Science, Sustainable Architecture, Environmental Ethics
Energy Meter lending program
Environment & Sustainability links on our website
Energy Conservation
Converting halogen & incandescent lights to CFL and LED
Fewer lights on prior to opening
Light activated switches in staff areas
Public computers automatically shut down at closing; staff shut down their own machines and printers
HVAC being run more efficiently
21% percent reduction in electricity consumption 2007/8
Office Supplies and Printing
Double sided documents or cut paper for memo’s both for staff and the public
Green Stationery - Found a vendor and are slowly switching over
Intranet is utilized to communicate with staff (book meeting rooms, staff schedules, and do orders through graphic/maintenance/IT e-requests)
Water Conservation
New low flow toilets
Timer in courtyard set for minimal watering
Putting aerators on faucets
Filtered water unit in staff area
Garbage & Recycling
Staff composting project – on display in the courtyard
Garbage audit
Biodegradable garbage bags
Recycle paper, plastics (hard & soft), Styrofoam, metal, and glass with Pacific Mobile depots and the North shore transfer station
Staff no longer use disposable dishes & cutlery, we use real dishes
Friends of the Library have switched to biodegradable cups for functions
Cleaning & Chemical Products
Green Seal Certified Cleaning Products and Paint
Biodegradable dish detergent
Goals
We are preparing to apply for the LEED Certification of Existing Buildings, exploring options for composting a significant amount of our waste, investigating a power management program and researching incentives for staff commuting by foot, by bike or bus!
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