SANTA FE PREPARTORY LIBRARY

We went to Santa Fe Preparatory school to see their new renovated ‘green’ library. The purpose for us is to see their library because the library was only one that was certified by LEED in their state!

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gave a rating to their school’s three years old library for Gold Certification.  The school restricted in order to keep everything ‘green’ as possible for the community and the school as well. So they focused on the energy conservation to include any of environmental features like low-toxicity painting, water use, and much more other environmental equipment into the place which will qualify for the LEED’s approval that might certified the school into the categories of LEED, Platinum, gold, silver, and certified. However, their mission is to reach Gold.

Speaking of their mission, how can they keep ‘green’ in their school’s library? Well, the building has a lot of the ‘green’ going on but let’s starts with the interior. They use open ceiling, west and east windows were to allow the daylight come in during the day time. The library doesn’t really use any fluorescent lights under their heads. However, especially during night time, they rarely use the fluorescent lights only, if it’s necessary. 

The floors are removable carpet which means they can remove the carpet anytime they want. There were blocks of 12x12 carpet pieces. Those carpet pieces are also environmentally friendly. See the picture above and look at the exquisite composite wood on the ceiling. Those are LEED certified wood which was made of maple wood. And they have the programmed system that monitored for air conditioner in a conservation way.

Now, let’s me tell you little bit more. They have an energy star elevator installed. They also installed a low flow water system that runs all of bathrooms, water fountain, and hand washing fixtures. The school also stores water from the rain, so that they can use the water for gardening.

They did what they wanted to make a community better and safe for the students including others. The library houses the children within open minded thoughts who wanted make a difference, so this example is a great way to show the children and the community that they can make a difference!