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 Our Green Library
See how much energy the solar panels on the library roof are generating!
(Note that the 'Revenue' amount is in Euros...)
A rooftop solar panel system provides some of the library's electricity. Comprised of ninety Kyocera 175-watt solar panels, it is connected to three 6,000-watt SMA Sunny Boy inverters. This forms the largest photovoltaic array in the state of Iowa. The system is estimated to produce more than 20,000 kWh per year, or about 5% of the library's energy needs.
The Marshalltown Public Library building is LEED® certified to the Gold level, making it the first LEED certified library in Iowa.
 What's LEED?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings, established by the U. S. Green Building Council.
Features of the library building that contributed to LEED certification:
- A construction plan that included recycling 97% of construction waste. Asphalt removed from the old parking lot on the site was ground up and reused; workers' pop cans were collected and recycled; metals and other materials were sorted for reuse.
- A highly efficient heating and cooling system manufactured by Lennox Industries Inc.
- A white membrane roof to reflect heat during the summer.
- A rooftop solar panel system (see above).
- Lighting and window design that exploits natural daylight and uses occupancy-sensored lighting to turn off lights when not needed. Clerestory windows bring sunlight deep into the building, sun shades on the window exteriors keep heat out in the summertime, and light shelves on the interior of windows bounce the sunlight farther inside. Around the perimeter of the building, lights dim and brighten depending upon the amount of natural light available.
- Bamboo, a fast and sustainably grown lumber source, used for the library's service desks and the bookshelves' end panels.
- Carpet squares that are 'cradle to cradle,' composed of recycled material. When the carpet needs to be replaced, the library's old carpet will be ground up by Shaw, the manufacturer, to be used in new carpeting.
- PaperStone counters featured at the Check Out Desk, Information Desk, and catalog kiosks. PaperStone is a solid material made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and cashew shell husks.
- Soy-based spray foam insulation that increases energy efficiency.
- Improved indoor air quality by using low VOC paints and adhesives.
- Low-flow water fixtures and toilets used throughout the building.
- Electric 'flash heaters' that heat water instantly on demand at each sink and appliance, instead of storing water in energy-wasteful hot water tanks.
- A renovated storm sewer for the library block, and a holding culvert installed underneath the parking lot to allow water draining from the downtown area during heavy rain to flow more gradually into the storm sewer system.
- Constructed on a previously developed site instead of breaking new land.
- Landscaping that uses hardy native plants and trees which, when established, do not require watering. The site, which was previously covered by asphalt, has been restored with vegetation.
- Placement in a residential area in close proximity to downtown services and public transportation. Bike racks provided.
- Shower and changing facilities for staff to promote biking, jogging, or walking to work.
- Preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Reduced heat island effect by minimizing pavement and, when paved, using concrete with white aggregate, providing a solar reflectance index of at least 29.
- Exterior light fixtures allowing no more than 2% of light to be directed up, reducing light pollution.
- Regional materials used when possible, including the building's brick and limestone.
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