Completed in the Spring of 2003, the West Valley Branch
Library is designed to serve as a practical example of environmentally
responsible architecture. The project incorporated a variety of green
strategies, addressing site, water, energy, materials and resources, and
indoor environmental quality issues. It is the City of San José's
first project to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building
Council.
This table describes the sustainable design principles used
in the construction of the new library as they relate to the U.S. Green
Building Council's LEED Rating System categories.
| Sustainable
Sites |
| Erosion and Sedimentation
Control |
- The site’s mature, redwood trees were preserved.
- The building is located within 1/4 mile of 2 or more bus lines.
|
| Site Selection |
| Alternative Transportation |
| Landscape and Exterior
Design to Reduce Heat Island |
| Roof Design to Reduce
Heat Island
 |
| Water
Efficiency |
| Water
Efficient Landscaping
 |
- The building was designed and constructed to use 50% less irrigation
water than standard buildings.
- The landscaping is drought tolerant and features high-efficiency
irrigation controls to reduce use of water.
- The cabbage sculpture near the entryway acts as a passive water
feature, fed by stormwater and dew that flows from the roof.
|
| Energy
and Atmosphere |
| Building Systems
Commissioning |
- The building was designed and constructed to use 30% less energy.
- Photo cells turn off lights when daylighting is adequate.
- Air conditioning is kept to a minimum through carefully shaded
windows, insulation, and an under-floor mechanical system.
- Thick concrete block walls add thermal mass to the structure.
|
| Minimum Energy Performance |
| CFC Reduction in
HVAC&R Equip. |
| Optimize Energy Performance |
| Additional Commissioning |
| Elimination of HCFCs
and Halon |
| Materials
and Resources |
| Storage & Collection
of Recyclables |
- The artworks’ plant themes reflect the area’s agricultural
past, and the artworks are made of green materials, including
found/re-used objects, sustainably harvested wood, and low-VOC
paint.
- Half of the wood used for the project was FSC-certified wood.
- More than 25% of the materials used during the construction
contain recycled content, including the ceramic tile, carpeting,
and flooring.
- Low-emitting materials were also used, including low-VOC paints
and adhesives.
- In addition, more than 90% of the construction and demolition
waste was recycled.
- 20% of the building materials were manufactured locally, contributing
to the local economy.
|
| Construction Waste
Management |
| Recycled Content
 |
| Local/Regional Materials |
| Certified Wood
 |
| Indoor
Environmental Quality (IEQ) |
| Minimum IAQ Performance
 |
- The building is carefully designed to minimize the use of artificial
light sources, for energy savings as well as indoor environmental
quality.
- Clerestory windows and skylights help bring in daylight.
- The building has a raised floor system through which heating
and cooling is delivered through the space,as well as allowing
for maximum flexibility in relocating electrical and communication
connections for future space reconfigurations.
|
| Environmental Tobacco
Smoke Control |
| Carbon Dioxide Monitoring |
| Increased Ventilation
Effectiveness
 |
| Construction IAQ
Management Plan |
| IAQ Testing |
| Low-Emitting Adhesives |
| Low-Emitting Paints |
| Low-Emitting Carpet |
| Thermal Comfort |
| Daylight
 |
| Views |
| Innovation
in Design |
| Building as a Teaching
Tool |
- The library is designed to serve as a practical example of environmentally
responsible architecture.
- Design and construction of the library represents a successful
collaboration among three City departments including the Library
system, Public Works, and Environmental Services.
|
| Greater than 90%
Construction Waste Recycling |
| LEED Accredited Professional |
