Since opening in 2019, Charles Library has led the way when it comes to sustainability efforts in higher education.
Once the work on Charles Library was documented and submitted to LEED’s online system for review and certification, the final score resulted in the library receiving a Gold certification—the second highest possible rating.
“The library’s green space in an urban environment is important not only to the students and stakeholders of the university, but green space can also help manage the natural precipitation that falls onto the site,” said Julia Mullin, associate director of construction for Main Campus.
According to Mullin, other factors that contributed to the LEED Gold certification include reducing water use by using low flow toilets and faucets, optimizing the energy use of the building by using energy efficient equipment, and using construction materials that contain recycled content and/or low-emitting materials.