The City of Santa Monica has received a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED™) Gold Rating for the new Main Library. The US Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System® has been adopted by the City as the basis of design for all of its new construction.

The 104,000 square foot Main Library, which opened in January 2006, is the City's second major facility designed and built with the intent of significantly reducing the building's negative impact on the environment. The first was the Public Safety Facility.

As a green building, the new Main Library offers many benefits, including environmental protection, economic advantages, and health and safety benefits, while providing an inviting, friendly and comfortable place for library users of all ages. Environmentally-friendly highlights of the new Main Library are: