Shaker Library has embraced sustainability
since its very beginning. Rather than build new, it started in a
shared school space, and then relocated to a former storefront.
When it outgrew its third spot, a building on Lee Road, the
Library Board chose to transform the former home of
Moreland Elementary School on Van Aken Boulevard
into the current Main Library.
Thirty years later, the Library has again demonstrated its commitment
to sustainability through renovation. Renovating an existing structure
instead of building new eliminates construction waste and reduces the
environmental impact associated with the production of new raw material.
In short, by keeping key elements of the existing building and adding
sustainable components, the Library’s renovation will be environmentally
and fiscally responsible.
Repairs to the roof, windows, and masonry will improve the overall integrity
of the building and offer a more comfortable building climate for staff and visitors.
Green materials are being used throughout the interior, including zero VOC paints
and carpet that is Cradle to Cradle Certified (a globally recognized measure of safe,
sustainable products).
Upgraded HVAC systems with high-efficiency condensing boilers and variable
speed chillers will increase the building’s heating and cooling efficiency by 20 percent.
The installation of LED lighting with updated controls and daylight harvesting will
amount to a 40 percent increase in lighting efficiency. Moreover, the reconfigured
building will allow for more user seating at the perimeter where visitors can take
advantage of abundant natural light. There also will be additional designated
areas for recycling.
The Library has created a “Green Team” comprised of staff members
Annelise Hoftmaurer, Jonathon Keller, Erin MacLean, Cindy Maxey, Gretchen
Witt, and Alex Staeven. Through surveys, recommendations, education
and awareness, and the application of best practices, the committee
encourages staff to think a little greener and take responsibility for
advancing sustainable practices. The Green Team Chair, Erin MacLean,
also serves as a representative to the City’s “Green Team.”
“We discuss ideas ranging from what we can do short-term, longterm,
collectively, and at the individual level,” says MacLean.
“Our Green Team has offered many ideas and a great many
topics that the Library is perfectly positioned to be talking about
and planning for as our renovations continue,” says Library
Director Amy Switzer. “As part of our collaboration with the
City, we are working to move forward together on several
initiatives to benefit the community.”
To that end, the Library’s design team – architects from
Bialosky, Director Switzer, Deputy Director Maureen Brodar,
and Maintenance Services Manager Rusty Taphous – met
with Michael Peters, the sustainability coordinator for the City,
to discuss sustainability as it relates to the Library’s renovation.
The Library also serves as a catalyst to encourage and teach the community
about sustainability issues through partnerships and programs, such as
composting, rain barrel making, and gardening. For example, a collaboration
with the Cleveland Seed Bank (Shaker Life, spring 2019) has provided free
seeds for community members’ gardens. This preservation of local seed
varieties is important for ecological resilience and biological diversity as well
Library Green Team Chair Erin MacLean
as maintenance of food security, and
it encourages the art of gardening and
self-sufficiency.
Funding from the Friends of the
Library has made collaborations with
the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership,
Master Gardeners, The Nature Center at
Shaker Lakes, and the Rust Belt Riders
possible. These collaborations have
resulted in many educational programs
including how to create bird-friendly
habitats and how to protect homes from
storm-water flooding. In addition, the
annual Friends used book sale helps to
recycle great reads to the community.
From offering eBooks and used books
that reduce the carbon footprint “per
read,” to renovating an existing building,
to implementing sustainable practices,
and offering free resources and classes
to the community, the Library is wellpositioned
to be a leader in sustainability
practices and initiatives for years to come.
SL
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