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Public library has the edge in energy efficiency

The Eugene Public Library demonstrates enough energy saving features to earn EWEB’s Energy Edge Award.

What’s the difference between book smart and energy smart? In the case of the City of Eugene’s public library, not much.

In fact, conservation of natural resources was so important, the energy efficiency focus of the new public library remained even when bids for the project came in over budget, says Brad Black, project manager for the City of Eugene.

“We had already received a lot of support for incorporating energy efficiency into the new library,” says Black. “So although budgets were cut, the energy efficiency in both the mechanical and electrical systems remained as designed in the original building concept.”

As a result, Eugene’s new downtown landmark has won Eugene Water & Electric Board’s “Energy Edge” award as part of the utility’s Energy Smart Design Program. The award signifies excellence in energy-efficient design and recognizes commercial construction projects that are at least 20 percent more efficient than Oregon building code requires.

“The goal is to design buildings that are more efficient than code requires, so it’s important that we become involved early in the design process,” says Rod Olsen, EWEB Energy Management Specialist. “While the building code has certainly become more rigorous, projects like the new library are setting the standard for energy efficiency.”

The extensive use of natural light, innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and a state-of-the-art lighting system are the key energy efficiency features of the new library.

“The use of natural daylighting really was a key element of the design,” says Olsen. “The idea is to reduce the amount of artificial lighting needed during the daytime, and nearly one-third of interior spaces receive enough daylight to supplement the electric lighting.”

As a result of these and other measures, the new library is energy efficient and environmentally sound, as well as more comfortable, says Black.

What’s more, the annual energy savings are approximately $25,000. Over the life of the building, that can buy a lot of books.