Exceeding the goal of LEEDv4 Silver Certification for Indy PL’s Eagle Branch
Indianapolis library patrons enjoy one of the newest standalone branches on Indianapolis’ westside with design services by R.E. Dimond and Associates for the mechanical, electrical, solar photo-voltaic (PV), plumbing, and fire suppression systems.
The Indianapolis Public Library challenged the design team to meet a goal of LEEDv4 Silver Certification in energy and resource conservation and design a sustainable system with a limited budget. We exceeded those and achieved LEEDv4 Gold Certification.
The library is one of Indianapolis Public Library’s newest stand-alone facilities. The new 20,000 SF building replaces a much smaller location which served the public since 1970.
- The new Eagle Branch Public Library is located on 3.66 acres on Indianapolis’ West Side demographical area.
- The location provides improved visibility for the library.
- The expanded branch offers group study rooms, a 100-seat community meeting room, a computer lab, and more spaces for children and teen programs.
- The facility is fully ADA accessible and has easy access to public transportation.
Overview
- Project: Eagle Branch library
- Location: 3905 Moller Road, Indianapolis
- Client: Indianapolis Public Library
- Cost: $7.9 million
- Project size: 20,000 SF
- Goal: LEED certification and expansion
Originally in pursuit of LEED Silver certification, the Eagle Branch Library has implemented energy efficient equipment that is anticipated to save the Library over $10,000 per year in operating costs resulting in a LEEDv4 Gold Certification.
Resource-sipping lights and plumbing fixtures saves money and resources
Safer exterior lighting
Lighting of the library features LED lighting throughout the building’s interior and exterior site.
Maximum natural light inside
Full-length windows offer natural lighting along with interior lighting design to provide optimum lighting throughout the facility.
28% less water usage
Plumbing design incorporated the use of low flow water fixtures, resulting in a 28% reduction in water consumption annually compared to those of standard flow fixtures.
Rising to the challenge of LEEDv4 Silver Certification for Indy PL’s Eagle Branch with solar power
The challenges in meeting the requirements for LEED certification were accomplished by utilizing
- Variable-air-volume (VAV) air terminal units with hot water heating coils,
- Coupled with a direct expansion (DX) air-handling unit (AHU).
- The mechanical system includes a heating water plant comprised of high efficiency condensing boilers.
- A perimeter heating system provides the Indianapolis Public Library with a high level of temperature control while ensuring comfort to patrons in rooms with large expanses of glass.
- A 66.2kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system mounted on the roof, which provides 75% of the branch’s electricity needs.