The library employed several sustainable practices with special attention being paid on the choice of the site for development and reduction of water and energy consumption. The library features new water fixtures that has reduced water consumption by almost 48%. The renovated library has high-performance windows and energy-efficient lighting that reduce energy consumption by 23%.
The windows and skylight bring in natural light into the facility which enables the building to reduce its dependence on electricity. The building has high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. These initiatives, in addition to reducing the building’s footprint on the nature, also assist it to keep its utility bills low.
Further attention was paid on the choice of materials and indoor environment quality. The materials palettes, used in the building such as paint, carpet, adhesives and furniture, are free of harmful chemicals and toxins and aid in improving the indoor air quality. Over 30% of the materials used are of recycle origin.
The renovation of the library began in August 2010 and was completed by late 2011 and entailed a cost of $8.1 million. The project involved addition of 27,000 square feet space to the former library and renovation of the 32,000 square feet space of the existing building.
The project was supported by a donation of $2 million from non-profit group Friends of The Loveland Public Library Foundation Incorporated. The library is the first Loveland building to receive the certification. The city received a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant that covered the costs of the green measures, which were more than $400,000.
