Libraries are often one of the largest energy users in a municipality and are important buildings to update for a greener future*.
Renovating the original 1928 building and expanding the library with a new addition is the most cost-effective option to create a greener building. The operating efficiencies gained through the new addition allow the entire building to be more climate friendly and will:
• eliminate the use of fossil fuels
• reduce the total lifetime carbon emissions by 41%
• reduce energy use intensity* by 60% (72.3 to 29)
• create a net-zero ready building
• use carbon-friendly building materials
A Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis concluded that even with the carbon emission created by the demolition of the 1990s building and from the new construction, the renovation and expansion is the greenest option. (See chart below for comparison.)
For additional information and details about the sustainability of the renovated and expanded library, please watch the Sustainability Committee Chat at: https://vimeo.com/454784565
*EUI measures the energy used per square foot in a building. The Jones has a current EUI of 72.3 kBtu/sq/yr compared to the national average for libraries of 71.6.
