Library Advances Green Energy Efforts
Athens Regional Library System
Innovation Synopsis
The Athens-Clarke County Library and the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government partnered to install seven solar panels in the library’s parking lot, creating a 141-kilowatt system that provides 20% of the library’s energy needs—the same as powering 27 homes for a year. Funded through local and state library support, the project also features the county’s first public-use Level 3 electric vehicle charging station and a live display showing real-time solar energy production. This initiative not only advances local clean energy goals and saves $25,000 annually, but also positions the library as a community hub for learning about renewable energy and sustainability.
Challenge/Opportunity
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Addresses Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCUG)’s goal of achieving 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035 by replacing fossil-fueled energy with solar power.
Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings: Reduces long-term energy costs for public facilities (e.g., library) while increasing local energy resilience.
Invasive Species Removal: Replaces non-native, invasive tree species with native plants and pollinator-friendly groundcover, improving ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Community Sustainability Concerns: Responds to public concern about tree removal and changes to the library landscape by emphasizing ecological restoration and climate benefits.
Model for Future Infrastructure: Serves as a pilot project for sustainable municipal design, informing the soon-to-be-built Athens Eastside Library to include solar panels and future ACCUG facilities.
Key Elements of Innovation
Structure & Implementation:
Partnership among Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCUG), Athens Regional Library System, and the Georgia Public Library Service.
Installation of solar panels at the library site, integrated with native landscaping to replace invasive tree species and support pollinators.
Includes Level 3 EV charging stations for patrons, advancing community access to green transportation.
Goals:
Advance ACCUG’s 100% clean & renewable energy by 2035 target.
Serve as an educational model for students and residents on renewable energy and sustainability.
Build climate resilience and demonstrate the library’s role as a Community Catalyst for Change and Anchor for Stability.
Innovation & Uniqueness:
Positions the library as a green energy hub, potentially able to supply power to others in the future—much like broadband expands access.
Demonstrates that libraries are leaders in sustainability, equity, and technological innovation within their communities.
Achieved Outcomes
Tangible Impact:
Installation of 7 solar panels now provides approximately 20% of the library’s total power needs, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs for the next 30 years.
Estimated annual savings of ~$25,000 and prevention of ~100 tons of CO₂ emissions per year (per ACCUG data).
Metrics for Success:
Energy generation data from solar monitoring systems.
Utility cost savings tracked quarterly.
Carbon reduction measured annually.
Community engagement metrics: attendance at sustainability programs, EV charger usage, and educational partnerships.
Partnerships:
Strengthened collaboration with ACCUG’s Sustainability Office, local schools, and green energy organizations.
Community & Staff Feedback:
Positive response to the library’s role as an educational hub for renewable energy.
Patrons and staff express pride in visible sustainability leadership and the library’s commitment to community resilience.
