Green Libraries: Introduction

A green library is designed to minimize negative impact on the natural environment and maximize indoor environmental quality using careful site selection, natural construction materials and biodegradable products, conservation of resources (water, energy, paper), and responsible waste disposal (recycling, etc.).In new construction and library renovation, sustainability is increasingly achieved through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a rating system developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).Green libraries are a part of the larger green building movement.Also known as sustainable libraries, green libraries are being built worldwide, with many high-profile projects bringing the concept into the mainstream.Along with library 2.0, green design is an emerging trend, defining the library of the 21st century.Many view the library as having a unique role in the green building movement due to its altruistic mission, public and pedagogical nature, and the fact that new libraries are usually high-profile, community-driven projects..