• SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN

The Los Angeles Public Library - Lake View Terrace Branch, completed in June 2003, represents the culmination of successful partnering between the Library Department, the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering and Fields Devereaux Architects & Engineers. The 10,700 sq. ft. building was designed with numerous features in concert with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Criteria.

Specifically, the building’s design promotes energy efficiency by utilizing aspects of location and interior/exterior building systems to maximize the use of natural light and air, landscaping and recycled or environmentally conscientious materials. Its Sustainable Design implements myriad features to meet the global demands of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These features listed below include reusing and/or recycling finished products, using recycled materials and/or high recycled–content materials, savings in energy and water usage, reducing storm water run-off and promoting planting for a greener Earth.

With a Platinum LEED rating, the Lake View Branch Library exists as one of the City’s most ecologically friendly facilities promoting energy efficiency and environmental conservation. It is already the recipient of several honorable awards including the 2004 Top Ten Green Projects Award from American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the 2005 Leadership in Engineering Award from Los Angeles Council of Engineers and Scientists (LACES).

• LIST OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES

EXTERIOR
1. Site Selection: proximity to housing complex and park and recreation centers.
2. Transportation: proximity to mass transit, availability of electric car charging stations, bike rack and even horse hitching post.
3. Landscaping:
a. Planting native or adapted vegetation to restore half of the open area.
b. Planting shade trees and drought tolerance plants.
c. Use water-efficient drip irrigation system.
4. Building is located to take advantage of the park tree shading and enhance the South view.

BUILDING
1. Trellis at front entrance on West side to reduce heat island.
2. Cooling tower with evaporative coolers and automatic control for cool air suction.
3. Airfoil sunshade awnings on the North and South sides of building to prevent direct sunlight, but maintain a draft to vent the building wall.
4. Light shading shelf on the South side to reflect sunlight to the interior without having direct afternoon sunlight and, effectively, reducing interior UV heat gains.
5. Building vanes on West side windows to prevent direct sunlight from the afternoon sun.
6. Roof: EPA Energy Star roof with reflective color coating to reduce solar heat gain.
7. Future installation of solar panels on the roof by DWP for electricity generation.
8. Extra foam insulation on the exterior wall beyond California Title 24 Building requirements.
9. Building contains recycled-content materials and manufactured within 500 mile radius.

INTERIOR
1. Using bamboo wood flooring as bamboo is a rapidly renewable material.
2. Wood panels and counters are harvested from managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council.
3. Carpet contains recycled-content material meeting the Industry Green Label Program.
4. Using low fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOC) on paints and adhesives meeting SCAQMD requirements to control and limit indoor pollutant sources.
5. High curved ceiling to allow warm air to accumulate on top for improved ventilation and cooling effectiveness.
6. Automatic motorized windows to allow inside warm air to escape and outside cool air to vent the building and, effectively, reduce usage of air conditioning equipments and electricity.
7. Enlarged glass area and skylights to allow natural sunlight.
8. Window glasses are double glazed with Argon gas fill and low emission coating.
9. Optimize energy performance with up to 30% reduction using high energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling equipment.
10. Photo sensors to control the lighting operation.
11. Eliminate air conditioning equipment using CFC and HCFC refrigerants that are not environmental friendly.
12. Carbon dioxide and humidity sensors to monitor indoor air quality.
13. Using low-flow automatic faucets and toilets for low water consumption.
14. Integration of the Environmental Awareness Center to notify and promote public awareness.
15. Ability to incorporate these features without sacrificing the functional performance of the building to the Library staff and its attractiveness to the community.