Developing a Library Building Program: Green Libraries

The US Green Building Council is a nonprofit organization "committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings." They administer the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, a worldwide effort with certified buildings in 135 countries. They are the acknowledged standard for verifying sustainable building materials and practices.

Of course, a building can be "green" without LEED certification. Here are a few resources:

• The Whole Building Design Guide has basic information about sustainability principles on their website
• LibrisDesign's Sustainable Library Design has information particular to libraries
• The US General Services Administration has a web-based Sustainable Facilities Tool with extensive information on the principles of sustainable design. Though written for federal facilities, the information can be applied to any workplace or public building