The Loma Prietan
May/June 2004
New San Mateo Public Library Going Green
By Jean Crispieri, Campaign Manager of the San Mateo Library Foundation
In response to significant public involvement in planning, the new San Mateo Main Library will be one of the greenest public buildings on the West Coast, a true "building for the future", when it opens in Summer 2006. The 90,000 square-foot building is designed to be a vital, living model of the value of sustainable "green" design and building technology. Deconstruction of the old main library and recycling 70 to 90% of the existing building materials is now underway. A temporary main library is currently in operation at 1100 Park Place in San Mateo.
"At all of our public input meetings there was a consistent request for the library to be built to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact," said K.G. Ouye, San Mateo City Librarian.
Due to overwhelming public interest, City officials challenged the architects to build the greenest library they could within the approved budget. "We are really paving the way for green, sustainable public buildings in San Mateo County," said City Council Member Sue Lempert.
The library building will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, which is a green building rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council. San Mateo is striving for the Silver LEED level, a much higher standard for energy and water conservation and indoor environmental quality.
Benefits of the "green" library will include:
- Energy efficiency
- Cost savings
- Improved indoor air quality
- Quality environment for public and
staff
- Educational opportunities on sustain-
ability
Examples of "green building" strategies used include:
- Efficient mechanical systems will use
outside air to ventilate the library 60%
of the time
- Energy-efficient lighting and ventilation
systems to reduce energy costs by 25%
- Under floor air system for more
efficient ventilation and flexibility for
power and data cables
- Use of existing redwood trees to shade
and reduce heat gain
- Water efficient landscaping will use
50% less irrigation water
- Use of sustainably harvested woods
- Use of building materials with greater
than 10% recycled content
With an additional $400,000 in funding, roof-mounted photovoltaic cells can be added to generate more renewable energy.
"It isn't easy being green, but it is the right thing to do," said Ouye. "We are going to see thousands of people every day. As a focal point for community activity, the new library is in a strong position to carry the message of sustainability to our community."
The new library will also feature enriched services and programs for children and teens, and state-of-the-art technology to enhance training, infrastructure and services for all. The Biotech Learning Center, a unique learning resource for high school students and adults, will facilitate exploration of life sciences in a dynamic learning environment.
Architects of the new library are from the award-winning firm of Esherick Homsey Dodge & Davis (EHDD). EHDD has been involved in a number of high profile building projects in Northern California including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Mountain View Public Library. Charles Pankow Builders has been selected to construct the building.
About the San Mateo
Library Foundation
The San Mateo Library Foundation was incorporated in 1994 with the mission to seek private financial support from the community to ensure the availability of high-quality library services today and in the future. The Foundation is leading a capital campaign to raise $10 million for the library building project. Contributions may be designated for the "green" library and mailed to 1100 Park Place, San Mateo, CA 94403. For more information, visit the website: www.smlibraryfoundation.org and contact Jean Crispieri, Campaign Manager at 650/522-7805.