City Library Hopes To LEED By Example

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
The North Adams Public Library is seeking LEED certification in recognition of the green technologies in place at the historic building. [Photo by Sue Bush]
North Adams - North Adams Public Library officials are seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council and expect to learn later this week if certification has been awarded. The LEED green building rating system is the "nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings," according to information posted at a USGBC Internet web site. A major library renovation included much "green technology" funded by a $175,553 Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant. Sustainable Construction Following the May 2005 unveiling of the library, the site continued to enhance its' energy efficient and green building technology. The technology includes geothermal pumps for heating and cooling, and the installtion of photovoltaic panels. "We're optimizing energy performance," said Marcia Gross, the library's director. The library boasts other environmentally-friendly features that range from an energy-efficient location that's central to the community to "water-free landscaping." The project utilized recycled and low-emitting materials, local labor, and lighting controls, which contributed to the overall efficiency of the energy-start rated building. Gross cited roof-sited solar panels,insulation, energy-efficient windows, and efficient fixtures as examples of the building's sustainable construction. Green building project consultant Michael Tillou said he was impressed by the library's progress toward acheiving LEED certification. Tillou praised the innovative application of features at the library and said he believed certification was likely. Tillou cited the geothermal pumps performance. He noted that the system pumps to multiple zones and replaced an old heat delivery system that offered poor ventilation, uneven temperatures, and poor air quality. Facts And Figures Gross said the new system provides significant improvements. "Now it's a much more plesasant atmosphere to work in," she said. "We've had different studies evaluate our savings and we estimate that we have about 35 percent savings over conventional systems." Gross said that savings will occur over time. "In the long run, I think the system will pay for itself," she said. The photovoltaic panels produce only 2.5 percent of the building's total electricity, Gross said. "It's not as much as we would've liked but even if it's only a small portion, it's free and renewable," she said. Additional information about the North Adams Public Library is avialable at a www.naplibrary.com Internet web site.
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North Adams Holds Groundbreaking for New $65M Greylock School

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff

Connie Tatro, a School Building Committee member, and her daycare charges have been keeping a close watch on the project. See more pictures here. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The groundbreaking on Tuesday for the new Greylock School was a mesh of past and present. 
 
As a long line of officials grabbed their shovels for the ceremonial dirt toss, the old school was being taken apart behind them and forms for the footings for the new school were being installed across the way. 
 
And perhaps the most important component of the day were the children from Connie Tatro's daycare in their safety vests, already digging in the dirt. 
 
They will be the first prekindergarten class when the school opens in fall 2027.
 
"This is truly a special moment for all of us as this school is being built as a community school today, we are marking more than start of a construction project," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. 
 
"We're marking the moment when years of planning, collaboration and community commitment become something real, something visible and something that's going to last long beyond any of us. This is where we truly begin turning work from conception to reality."
 
It's taken three mayors, three superintendents, three school building committees and one contentious vote to get to this point. 
 
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