The Brookline Library was chosen to be renovated using environmentally friendly (green) principles. The library has many features built into the new framework that are both environmentally sound and safe. The results were quite extraordinary.

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Library Reconstruction Photos

Brookline's Green Library - LEED Certified

A Model of Environmental Efficiency

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has chosen to use the U.S. Green Building Council's leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system as part of its effort to renovate and modernize Brookline's new library.

Green uses techniques to minimize energy usage and destruction to the environment, as well as create safe, comfortable buildings for all guests.

LEED puts a premium on constructing buildings with superior interior air quality, access to views, daylight and natural ventilation. The library's bay of windows, the skylights and the light wall contribute to the overall design. They are clear elements of this green library. These are just a few of the green features.

Other examples of the rating system are hidden to the untrained eye. Some are hidden from view. Below are some examples of the green principles in practice here in our new library.

1. The Light Wall

One of the most dramatic features of the new library is a light wall. The light wall is a type of skylight that we used to bring the natural light into both levels of the library. The light is reflected downward based on the shape or angle of the wall.

2. Clerestory Windows

Skylights and bays of windows support "green" design principles and dramatically change the character of the space.

3. Refurbished Shelving

Take a closer look at the shelving units shown here. In terms of recycling, these are the very same units from the old library. They were cleaned up, painted, and re-used.

4. Parklex and Slatescape

The parklex (the outside) and the slatescape (tops of counters) both provide no negative impact on the environment and are made out of materials that do not emit any poisonous gasses.

5. Tree Conservation

The maple interior wood is highly recyclable material; the inside is very compacted sawdust, the outside is thin hardwood. This dramatically cuts down on the amount of raw timber in use. Both environmentally sound and safe.

6. Sound Baffling

Insulation for sound in both the lower level and ground floor is "spray on paper" which replaces asbestos. "Spray on paper" is 100% recyclable.

7. The Ceiling

The wire mesh used in the ceiling is all steel, which is 25% recyclable.

8. Flexibility, Resilience and Durability

Both the linoleum floor and the community bulletin board are produced from renewable raw materials. The combination of oxidized linseed oil, resin, cork, natural wood fiber, and natural pigments in the product give it flexibility and resilience. These qualities result in a product with exceptional durability.

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For more information on LEED, go to www.usgbc.org.