Sustainability

Sustainable strategies are incorporated that align with Indigenous principles, placing value on nature and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

To support this commitment, we have adopted a LEED® Gold shadowing approach. This strategy informs our design decisions and promotes sustainable practices that reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing the quality of spaces within the building.

Key Strategies:

1. Sustainable Site Selection: The library is located on a previously developed brown site, which minimizes environmental impact and promotes effective land use. Our landscaping features indigenous plant species to support local biodiversity.
2. Water Efficiency: We are installing water-efficient fixtures and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce our reliance on potable water.
3. Energy Performance: The library includes a high-performance building envelope and passive solar design to optimize energy use. This design incorporates solar-ready infrastructure, allowing for future renewable energy installations. Additionally, a ceramic frit is applied to the windows to reduce solar gain and prevent bird strikes.
4. Sustainable Materials: We are using mass timber and locally sourced materials to minimize embodied carbon and support sustainable construction practices.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality: The design maximizes natural light and utilizes low-VOC materials to improve air quality, thereby enhancing the indoor environment for both patrons and employees.