HAMILTON, ONT. — Hamilton Public Library’s (HPL) Valley Park Branch addition has earned LEED Gold certification, recognizing its exceptional sustainable design qualities.
The library, which opened in 2022, went from the 15th to the third most used space in the Hamilton Public Library Branches, drawing in 171,000 visitors with its new expanded space. The addition transformed the public face of the community centre and is designed to reduce 50 per cent of the facility’s carbon footprint.
The building envelope, systems and site drive down energy demand in the facility, and together with a 30 KW solar system incorporated on its roof contributes to 25 per cent of the library’s expected demand. Stormwater captured on the areas of new roofing is directed to the planted bioswales where it travels along the contours of the property to maximize infiltration to the local aquifer, states the release.
The water will fuel the growth of vegetation onsite to remediate soils or efficiently flow off-site. These stormwater management techniques help with mitigating negative environmental stresses including the effects of stormwater surges on existing infrastructure and the poor quality of urban outflow.
“HPL’s Valley Park Branch demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, inside and out. The team worked together to bring about a community space that reflects the needs of this growing neighbourhood,” said Paul Takala, chief librarian/CEO at Hamilton Public Library, in a release. “This LEED Gold certification signifies thoughtful environmental, social, technological and educational integration and really sets the stage for future library spaces.”
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