Good Design and Energy Efficiency
Pursuing LEED Certification

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has chosen to use the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) building rating system as part of its effort to renovate and modernize several of its branch libraries. The LEED building rating system is a guideline for combining environmental stewardship and life cycle cost benefits of investing in good design. Projects that use the LEED rating system are evaluated in the following categories:

• Sustainable Site Design
• Water Efficiency
• Materials and Resources
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Interior Environmental Quality

By using the LEED rating system as part of their branch library renovation and modernization program the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the communities they serve will realize these benefits:

The continued use of existing buildings and strengthening of the urban fabric.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch libraries have served our communities for much of the last century. LEED recognizes the importance of reusing existing buildings for environmental, social and cultural reasons.

Reduced impact on the civil infrastructure and services provided by those communities.
LEED promotes effective storm water management, reduced water consumption and attendant reduction in sewage treatment and associated costs. This reduces the burden on what is often an already stressed distribution network.

Support of regional and local building industry and economy.
LEED rewards the use of local materials and building design and construction services such as recycling and salvaged material distribution centers, raw and new processed material suppliers, local building trades and construction support networks.

Energy and resource efficient buildings.
By using LEED assist in the design and construction of energy and resource efficient buildings, the Carnegie will reduce consumption and lower operating costs. Reduced energy consumption translates to reduced pollution and lower environmental impacts. Lower operating and maintenance costs means the Carnegie can improve its fiscal position and invest in other value added services.

Healthy, more enjoyable libraries.
LEED puts a premium on constructing buildings with superior interior air quality, access to views, daylight and natural ventilation. Building occupants benefit from a healthier, more pleasant interior environment.

For more information visit www.usgbc.org