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The New York Public Library
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New York, NY 10016
phone: 212.592.7700
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FACT SHEET
The New York Public Library
Bronx Library Center: A "Green" Facility
Overview The Bronx Library Center is The New York Public Library's first "green" or "sustainable" facility and the first such public project in New York City, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The structure is designed to be environmentally responsible, as well as a healthy place for visitors and employees to work. Sustainable buildings are constructed with ecologically-sound recycled materials and promote energy efficiency, usage of natural daylight, waste reduction, and improvement in air quality. During construction of the Bronx Library Center, The New York Public Library has worked to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nationally recognized coalition of building industry leaders based in Washington, D.C.
Among the Bronx Library Center's "green" features are:
Natural Lighting The building is designed to take advantage of natural lighting to maximize energy efficiency.
An innovative glass-curtain wall façade allows maximum natural light for reading areas, and is also a sophisticated shading system for controlling energy loss and limiting glare.
75 percent of interior spaces meet LEED criteria for the ratio of daylight to illuminated light.
Passive solar devices in the form of interior light "shelves" at the glass curtain wall bounce daylight deep into the interior of the collection spaces, and 90 percent of the public spaces in the building have direct views to the outdoors.
Energy Conservation
The building's energy costs are estimated to be 20 percent less than those of a standard code-compliant building.
Photo-sensors adjust light levels along the curtain wall and in adjacent stack areas.
Sensor controls throughout the building turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and adjust light levels when the sun is bright.
Energy star roofing and roof coatings prevent solar heat from being absorbed and reduce the cooling needs of the building.
Ecologically Sound Materials
Approximately 20 percent of the total materials used in building the structure were recycled, including 15 percent of the building's terrazzo flooring and 45 percent of its linoleum flooring.
80 percent of wood-based materials in the Library, including information desks, were grown in forests managed under guidelines for environmental responsibility.
Adhesives, sealants, and paints do not emit potentially harmful volatile organic compounds and are virtually odor-free, thereby improving air quality. Composite wood products contain no added urea formaldehyde resins.
Building's carpet is made with recycled material.
Approximately 55 percent of materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the site, thus supporting the regional economy and reducing the environmental impact of long-haul transportation.
Environmentally-Friendly Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing Systems
Nine boilers operate efficiently even at partial capacity, using natural gas, which is cleaner than fuel oil.
Two, 117-ton air-cooled scroll compressor chillers release no vapors or chemicals into the environment like traditional cooling towers.
All air-handling units feature high-efficiency filters and air-side economizers so that outdoor air (instead of mechanical air conditioning) can be used when it is cool outside.
Low-flow fixtures are estimated to reduce the burden on water and sewer system by 20 percent.
Construction Process
The demolition and excavation process was conducted according to a plan that limited sedimentation in sewers and air pollution. Ninety percent of the debris from demolition was recycled.
The Bronx Library Center expects to receive its LEED rating from the US Green Building Council during the first half of 2006.
This building was generously funded by The State of New York: George E. Pataki, Governor; Charles A. Gargano, Chairman, Empire State Development Corporation; the New York State Assembly and Assemblyman José Rivera; and The City of New York: Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor; Christine C. Quinn, City Council Speaker; Adolfo Carrión, Jr., Bronx Borough President; the Bronx City Council Delegation and City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera.
A major grant from Roger and Susan Hertog provided lead private support for the Bronx Library Center. Support for cultural programming was provided by a generous grant from Bank of America, with additional funding from the New York Community Trust.
