WebJunction - Green Libraries

RE: Libraries Doing Great with Green

2009-10-21T12:04:09Z

I would love to see a list of libraries' green actions. Green Libraries has a (not completely up-to-date) list of green library buildings but many libraries are being green in smaller ways too! We have a green library committee now at my university library (UNCG) and recent initiatives to push sustainable practices throughout the whole UNC system school system. One of the cool things we do at my library is host a monthly sustainable film and discussion night with the campus and community in attendance. A list of films we have shown can be found on my blog.

Libraries Doing Great with Green

2009-05-21T17:05:45Z

Let's make a list of libraries doing, thinking about, exploring, or experimenting with Green.

I have personally been very inspired by the great things going on at San Francisco Public! Full disclosure? My BFF from college is the chief of branches there.

RE: Birds of a Feather Session at the BC Library Assn. Conference, 2009

2009-05-20T16:20:48Z

I'm so glad a group got started on this topic. I have a keen interest in environmentally friendly architecture and practices.

There is a related discussion over in the Space Planning topic, along with some articles:

* Greening Your Library Operations (PowerPoint slides)
* Spaces Going Green
* Sustainable Stacks: Libraries Go Green
* What does it mean to be a "green" library? (discussion)

I look forward to learning more about the opportunities for greening the library.

RE: TechSoup focus on TeleGreening your work

2009-05-19T19:27:36Z

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to the WJ Green Libraries group. I really appreciate your GreenTech on TechSoup contribution! I found lots of practical ideas to follow-up on. Our green dreams at West Vancouver Memorial Library include reducing the ecological footprint of our technology. I look forward to hearing from you again here.

Tara

TechSoup focus on TeleGreening your work

2009-05-18T18:45:00Z

Thanks for creating this group! Excellent!

I wanted to share the focus from this past month on TechSoup: TeleGreen Your Work.

Here's a month's worth of blog posts related to the focus from the MaintainIT Project Blog.

Thanks again!
JP

Birds of a Feather Session at the BC Library Assn. Conference, 2009

2009-05-15T23:09:13Z

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!