Hillsdale Library was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDâ„¢) Gold certification in 2004. LEEDâ„¢ is a national rating system and accreditation tool used to develop high performance, sustainable buildings. Buildings are awarded points and achieve a certain level of certification based on project procedures and design elements that are indicators of a “green building.”
The library, opened in March 2004, was the first Multnomah County building to receive LEEDâ„¢ certification, a goal established by Multnomah County officials when they approved the construction of the building. The City of Portland has adopted LEEDâ„¢ as the basis of design for all of its new construction.
As a green building, Hillsdale Library offers many benefits, including: environmental protection (reduced air and water pollution, reduction in solid waste creation, and minimized depetion of natural resources); economic advantages (reduced operating costs and optimized economic performance over the life of the building); and health and safety benefits (better indoor air quality, decreased harmful pollutants indoors and out, and increased personal satisfaction).
To achieve LEEDâ„¢ certification, Hillsdale Library incorporates many environmental design elements that significantly reduce or eliminate the building’s negative impact on the environment, while providing an inviting, friendly and comfortable place for library users of all ages. Planning a sustainable site
Reduced environmental impact was a top consideration in site selection and in selecting the building’s location on the site.
An approved erosion control plan was implemented during construction.
Hillsdale Library is served by 7 bus lines within 1/4 mile, is supplied with parking for 12 bikes, and has a space and charging station for an electric car in the parking garage. Use of alternative methods of transportation reduces pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
More than 50 percent of the site’s open area has been restored as habitat areas with native or adaptive vegetation. The open area will be conserved for the life of the building.
As part of a storm-water management plan, three large planters on Sunset Blvd. and a “bioswale” (a low-gradient channel filled with plants) at the back of the building hold and filter rainwater runoff from the roof, keeping it from overburdening the sewer system. The use of pervious materials such as pavers and planting soil also reduces runoff.
Underground parking eliminates large, paved surfaces exposed to sunlight. In addition, the building’s Energy Starâ„¢ roof is treated to reflect sunlight. These design elements reduce “heat islands,” which contribute to higher summer temperatures and smog. Water conservation
The plants and trees surrounding the library were chosen because they lend themselves to water conservation and a reduced need for pest control and maintenance.
Native and drought-resistant plants eliminate the need for an irrigation system.
“Low-flow” restroom faucets and toilets.
Lets conserve water.
Energy efficiency and building atmosphere.
No CFC-based (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants were used in the building’s heating or cooling systems.
The building is designed to be 21 percent more efficient than a building that is built to just meet local energy code. This is accomplished through the use of: energy-efficient, high-performance windows with “low-E” glass (low-energy glass that is insulated and
tinted to filter heat from the sun); insulated, translucent skylights; and a daylighting system which lessens the need for artificial light on sunny days.
Engineers have designed a plan for measuring and verifying the lower level of energy use throughout the life of the building.
Green power (or renewable energy) is used in the building. Conservation of materials and resources.
Easily accessible areas throughout the building are designated for the separation, collection, and storage of materials for recycling. Seventy-five percent of construction waste was salvaged or recycled.
More than 50 percent of building materials contain significant recycled content, including the carpet, wood flooring, restroom tile, acoustical ceiling and wall panels, drywall, concrete, and the structural steel.
At least 20 percent of the building’s materials were manufactured locally.
More than 50 percent of new wood in the ceiling and walls is certified to originate from sustainable forests. Enhanced indoor environmental quality.
Smoking is not allowed inside the library, or within 50 feet of the entry.
The building is monitored for carbon dioxide levels and is designed to maintain levels that will sustain long-term occupant health and comfort.
Fresh air is mixed into the mechanical system to support the health, safety, and comfort of people in the building.
Filters within the mechanical system were used during construction to prevent contamination from the construction process. The building was “flushed” prior to opening to the public. This process involved running the mechanical system for two weeks following the comp
Letion of construction, and bringing 100 percent fresh air into the building. All filters were then replaced to remove construction-related contaminants from the system.
All paint on the walls and steel structure, as well as all adhesives and sealants, are low VOC (volatile organic compounds), containing little or none of the dangerous chemicals commonly found in these materials.
“Walk-off” mats in entryways help prevent pollutants from being tracked into the library.
Storage for chemical products, such as cleaning supplies and printing products, is contained in isolated or ventilated rooms.
Temperature is controlled and monitored with the use of sensors throughout the building.
Windows, clerestory and skylights enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, providing natural outdoor light and offering library visitors great views of the neighborhood. In addition, a manual shading system allows control over direct sunlight
and helps reduce heat gain.
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