S.F. libraries' going green means money
By: Brent Begin
Examiner Staff Writer
November 18, 2008
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| Meeting demands: Developers renovating San Francisco libraries must consider lighting pollution, among other requirements, to achieve LEED certification. (Examiner file photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Library branch improvement projects, already beset by delays and cost overruns, are up against another costly mandate: a requirement by The City that new buildings must be environmentally friendly.
Sixteen branches were originally scheduled for a makeover, thanks to a voter-mandated general-obligation bond measure in 2000.
Since January, when the final allocation was dispersed, several projects have racked up about $3.7 million in costs related to complying with a city law signed in August that requires all major buildings be certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, according to a memo from city Librarian Luis Herrera.
The Board of Supervisors is set to approve $34.75 million in additional bonds today to continue renovations.
In November 2007, voters approved a proposition that granted The City authority to issue revenue bonds to ensure the delays and budget overruns would not kill the Branch Library Improvement Program. Much of the money will go toward green innovations, such as a living roof on the Ortega branch.
But while green improvements may cost The City in the beginning, the innovations will pay for themselves, according to officials involved with the projects.
“We do have initial costs today, but in the long term we will recoup that investment,” said Brian Bannon, chief of branches for the library.
LEED certification requires a number of energy-efficiency and conservation requirements. Developers must consider criteria such as lighting pollution, water efficiency, percentage of recycled materials and insulation. Developers are also required to hire consultants to guide construction through the certification process.
Energy and water efficiency, natural lighting and insulation are all innovations that save money and will serve as lessons in environmental awareness for library visitors, Bannon said.
Several projects already completed, such as the Excelsior branch, did not have to get LEED approval, but do contain green initiatives, including 1,800 square feet of solar panels, according to Edgar Lopez, bureau manager for the Department of Public Works.
Green buildings also provide a healthier environment for the many children and elderly visitors, Lopez said.
“It’s a smart investment,” he said. “It pays off in the end.”
bbegin@sfexaminer.com
