By Lookout Staff

February 5 -- Santa Monica’s new Main Library has become the City’s first building to win a Gold rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Designed by Moore Ruble Yudell, the 104,000-square-foot library, which opened in January 2006, earned the prestigious award from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its cutting-edge sustainable features.

They include:

• Spaces that take advantage of natural lighting modified by “mecho-shades” that adapt to conditions outside, reducing the need for air conditioning,
• Movable walls and “operable windows” that make the most of natural light and air,
• Air conditioning that goes off when windows are opened,
• A specially treated roof that reflects sunlight, reducing the “heat islands” that contribute to smog,
• A 200,000 gallon underground cistern that collects and recycles rainwater runoff,
• Rooftop solar electric panels, and
• Paints, sealants and adhesives that use little or no dangerous chemicals.

The library also features gardens and a 10,000-square-foot central courtyard landscaped with sustainable plantings, as well as the latest in information technology, Wi-Fi access, three levels of subterranean parking and amenities such as public art, a bookstore and a café.

The Gold rating -- the second highest rating possible based on points earned -- indicates the building has been independently certified to meet sustainable criteria developed by the council, according to a statement by the City.

“Projects accumulate points, starting with design, through construction and ending with planned operation and maintenance, by satisfying detailed requirements that lead to a healthier environment for the building occupants, the neighborhood, the larger community and the general environment,” City officials said.

The library is the third LEED-certified facility constructed by the city, The Public Safety Facility and Virginia Avenue Park both have earned LEED Silver ratings in 2004 and 2006, respectively.

In addition to Moore, Ruble, Yudell; the project team included consulting mechanical engineer, Syska Hennesy; General Contractor, Morley Builders; LEED consultant, CTG Energetics, Inc.; with Project/Construction Management provided by the City of Santa Monica Environmental & Public Works Management Department, Civil Engineering and Architecture Division.