In this week’s Princh Library Blog post, recurring guest writer Sam L. Bowman discusses an ever so important topic: sustainable design and practices in libraries. Enjoy!

What makes a good library? Some say it’s the resources and access to knowledge it provides; others say it’s the physical space and how it fosters a more connected community. We say it’s both of those things — and more!

A library isn’t just a hub where people can come together to engage and expand their knowledge, these buildings also serve as an extension of certain attitudes and values. As Winston Churchill put it, “We shape our buildings, and thereafter they shape us.”

Libraries can and do inspire in more ways than one. In addition to the countless inspirations provided by their wealth of knowledge and culture, libraries push the boundaries of sustainable architecture and design.

Thus, the key to a brighter future for libraries is sustainability. If libraries want to continue delivering exceptional experiences and profoundly impacting the community, they must adapt to meet the needs of future generations.

Why Sustainability Matters

As libraries serve as symbols of knowledge, advancement, hope, and connection for communities, they must address perhaps one of the biggest factors that can impact all of the above — climate change.

Climate change is and will continue to have a significant impact on communities across the globe, so disregarding this issue means disregarding the community. On the other hand, by undertaking sustainability initiatives, libraries can serve as catalysts for change by not only addressing direct sustainability needs but also by bringing climate change knowledge and awareness to the community.

Furthermore, sustainability matters to modern consumers. Industries all over the world are adapting to meet the demands of contemporary consumers, which includes adopting more eco-friendly infrastructure and practices — and libraries should not be an exception.

Between 60 to 70% of consumers report being more interested in paying more for a product if it is sustainable. While this seems like it is more directly correlated with retail environments, the same concept applies to libraries.

If a library makes sustainable changes, it is more likely to retain customers and attract new ones, whether someone interested in a library card and using the library’s resources, or a third-party vendor who partners with the library for various reasons.

However, it’s not just about appealing to modern consumers. Sustainability initiatives can also help libraries save money, reduce waste, and build a more resilient business in the face of future crises, like disruptions from climate change disasters.

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Sustainable Design and the Future of Libraries

As the needs of future generations change, it’s important to adapt by implementing sustainable designs that are built to last, provide an environment that is safe, healthy, and inspiring, can adapt to changing functional needs, and perform efficiently to provide ongoing value and support to the community.

There are a number of ways libraries can integrate sustainable design and practices to meet the needs of the future:

Green Architecture  

Energy conservation is a major concern when it comes to climate change, and good design can go a long way toward reducing energy consumption.

Using more sustainable construction materials in library design can help reduce the environmental impact of renewable energy systems and help with resource conservation. For example, advancements in PV cell materials can improve the efficiency of solar panels. Using solar panels made from recycled materials can also reduce waste.

So, when considering implementing new green technologies in sustainable infrastructure design, it’s important to be mindful of the materials being used and not just the green technology itself.

Other considerations in green design include using more locally sourced sustainable materials, building green roofs, and integrating natural elements into the design for a more biophilic design, which can improve health outcomes and build a stronger connection to nature.

Some game-changing innovations in green construction that are also worth looking into to improve sustainability and energy efficiency in library design include:

• Radiant heating and cooling systems: Radiant flooring and ceiling systems use water that gets pushed through tubes to help regulate indoor tempt. These systems are more efficient and take up less space than traditional forced-air systems.
• Smart IAQ monitors: Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays an important role in keeping the public who use libraries safe and healthy. As climate change worsens air quality, using smart IAQ systems to monitor and reduce indoor air pollution will become increasingly important.
• Passive solar power: While solar panels are a great way to improve efficiency, they do still require some level of energy to operate. Passive solar systems, on the other hand, are a type of construction design that uses thermal mass made from masonry to collect the sun’s warmth and distribute heat through convection, conduction, and radiation during cooler periods. For passive cooling, shade and natural ventilation are used in the design to remove heat during warmer periods.

These are just a couple of examples, but there are numerous other sustainable construction methods and technologies that are worth looking into, including greywater systems and smart glass. It’s also important to integrate more energy-efficient lighting systems in libraries and practices that include powering down all digital equipment, such as computers, when they are not in use.

Sustainable Practices

In addition to green design, libraries can also adopt more sustainable practices to benefit their business and the community, such as:

• Curating sustainable reading lists for eco-conscious readers;
• Running community sustainability events and programs;
• Partnering with local environmental organizations;
• Providing greener information resources (i.e. embracing more digital tools);
• Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs;
• Adopting more sustainable collection practices (i.e. expanding digital collections, implementing book-sharing programs, and promoting e-books over print);
• Building a community garden and more green spaces around or in the library;
• Addressing sustainable transportation by providing easier access to public transportation and providing more bicycle racks and electric vehicle charging stations.

It’s also important for libraries to provide educational programs to promote environmental awareness and help the community better understand the importance of mitigating the effects of climate change.

Final Thoughts

Remember, investing in your library space is an investment in your community. Libraries of the future must be prepared to meet the diverse needs of the community and adapt to a changing world due to climate impacts. With the right effort, libraries can become powerful symbols of change, enabling a greener future where environmental stewardship, community, and knowledge converge.

We will be back with another interesting article from the library world soon!

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