Exercising prudent fiscal management of taxpayer dollars is critical for public agencies. With soaring energy prices and stricter environmental regulations, employing eco-friendly building strategies helps control operating costs by managing resources efficiently. Equally important is recognizing the effects that building components have on human health and the environment. KCLS is committed to utilizing sustainable design principles that reduce negative impacts on the environment — without sacrificing employee or patron comfort — and allow taxpayers to realize a strong return on investment in their communities.

Whenever possible, sites for new facilities are selected in close proximity to transit centers. Buildings are designed to take advantage of natural lighting while compact fluorescent lights and light sensitive switches further reduce energy consumption. Low-flow plumbing fixtures conserve water and rain gardens at several new libraries redirect water from hard surfaces before it can enter local waterways. Green roofs, along with ground-source heat pumps that use the earth’s relatively constant temperature, provide consistent heating and cooling. Other economizing strategies include web-based HVAC controls that allow staff to adjust heating and cooling systems remotely, ensuring the best possible energy savings.

In 2015, KCLS achieved an average 12 percent reduction in energy consumption — a savings of approximately $93,000 — resulting from energy efficient standards. KCLS expects an additional 9-11% in cost savings in 2016. In some studies, certain aspects of green building design, such as improved lighting, reduction of pollutants, advanced ventilation systems and the use of non-toxic building materials, have been shown to be directly correlated to increased worker productivity. While more difficult to quantify, this outcome appears to be consistent with anecdotal information from library managers pertaining to staff morale and patron satisfaction.