Friday, June 5, 2009

A "Green" Library for Westwood?

When architects begin to design the new Main Library this summer, green design considerations will be an important part of the process. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) will award Westwood a grant of $184,946 if the new building achieves LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In developing the criteria for evaluating architectural firms, the Library made experience with environmentally responsible design and the LEED certification process an important part of the selection process. The MBLC's Green Library Incentive is intended to assist municipalities in reducing the initial up-front design and construction costs associated with green design, and to fund participation in the LEED certification process. Sustainable, or "green," library design actively considers a building's impact on the environment and on the people who work in and use the facility. LEED certification is obtained after submitting an application documenting compliance with the requirements of the rating system, as well as paying registration and certification fees.

Want to learn more about "green" construction? Look at http://www.usgbc.org/