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.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
