Building Green

Building Green

During this lab, we broke into groups to go and inspect a specific building on campus. The building my group had to inspect was the library. The purpose of the lab was to determine whether the building is in good condition to be considered a green building. A green building is the practice of creating warm, friendly, and environmentally safe for its occupants and visitors. Therefore, we had to inspect the library and evaluate its sustainability and potential on being a green building.

Firstly, we inspected the outside of the library. We looked at the structure and landscaping. We had to determine whether the longest walls of the building were facing the north and south. Indeed, it was facing the north and south direction. Light paint colors and siding was found which helps reduce heat gain. The windows and doors were not open for natural ventilation. The exterior wall material is low maintenance. The gutters and downspouts lead water away from the building. The library's landscaping has an irrigation system. There weren't large trees near the building used for shading. However, there is alternative vehicle parking available for bicycle, motorcycle and scooters. There are walkways for pedestrians and pathways for cyclists. There are wetlands on site and nearby. There are two large ponds near the library. The library has many drought-tolerant plants that help reduce water use. Natural food sources such as fruits, nuts, flowers, and seeds are found near the library. Next we went inside the building to inspect the recycling and energy use of the building. There are many seats indoor and outdoor. Food and water fountains are available inside the library. Computers were on in unoccupied sections. The library uses fluorescent bulbs. Windows and doors are seal tightly to prevent air conditioning from escaping out. This building has recycling containers for plastic, paper, aluminum, and regular trash bins. It does not have a glass bottle recycling containers.

In conclusion, the library is a green building, but can be a greener building. There are many improvements that can be done to get the library to an environmentally and friendlier place for its occupants and visitors. They can turn off or put a sign that states to turn off lights after use. The building has to decrease its light pollution inside the premise. There aren't any rainwater collection containers for irrigation or other purposes. By planting more trees will provide more shading and a cool relaxed setting. If there was an organic garden or greenhouse near the library, then it would provide fresher air for students seating outside. The library should use less electricity like solar or wind energy. Open windows during daylight to allow fresh air in and turn of the air conditioner. This will improve the library to becoming more green.