The Brighton branch of the Boston Public Library has been awarded LEED Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings, according to a statement.
"The renovation of the Brighton Branch of the Boston Public Library demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable, green design and its commitment to the stewardship of our natural resources," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "The community of Brighton has a state-the-art library branch that also offers energy savings, water efficiency, and improved indoor environmental quality."
The Brighton Branch, a 22,400-square-foot building at 40 Academy Hill Road, reopened in December 2010 after more than 18 months of extensive interior renovations. The city of Boston’s Property and Construction Management Department managed this capital project, which updated the mechanical equipment, provided ADA accessibility, improved sightlines and increased technological capacity.
The renovation of the 1969 building created light-filled spaces with modern, comfortable furniture, a new teen space with café-style seating, a new community room, and a landscaped yard on Academy Hill Road. Visitors can also take advantage more than 20 new computers for all ages.
"The Brighton Branch has long been an asset to the community," said Amy E. Ryan, president of the Boston Public Library. "Earning LEED Silver for such an important renovation project demonstrates that the library can be an asset to the environment as well."
Consideration for the local environment was central in the design and construction of the project from the start: 92 percent of the waste material from the renovation was recycled. The Brighton Branch achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water, and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified building saves money, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
