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Main Library Sustainability
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 Main
Library include:
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Site Planning |
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Conservation of Materials and Resources |
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Water
Management and Conservation |
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Enhanced
Environmental Quality |
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Energy
Efficiency and Building Atmosphere |
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Public
Education and Information |
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Sustainable Landscaping |
The Main Library site at
Santa Monica Boulevard and Sixth Street was
reused
and redeveloped. During construction,
an erosion control plan was approved.
The building's Energy Star (TM) roof is
treated to reflect sunlight. This
reduces "heat islands" which contribute to
higher summer temperatures and smog.
The roof also reduces heat gain in the
building, increasing energy efficiency.
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Underground parking
eliminates large, paved surfaces exposed to
sunlight. The Main Library is served
by several Big Blue Bus lines and has bike
parking. Use of alternative methods of
transportation reduces pollution and land
development impacts from automobile use. |
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