ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Everyday Is Earth Day at Arapahoe Libraries
COLORADO GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK
Arapahoe Libraries is a certified Silver Level Member of the Colorado Green Business Network, opens a new window, a voluntary program that encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make the move toward the goal of true, operational sustainability. Learn more about the Colorado Green Business Network and other certified businesses, opens a new window.
Arapahoe Libraries is committing to meeting milestones each year and to keep improving our environmental impact by looking for new and innovated ways to save energy, educate others on the benefits of going green, and by implementing practices that create safe and healthy spaces.
Did you know?
In 2013, Eloise May Library was awarded with the local and regional Outstanding Building of the Year Award (government building category) by the Denver Chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association.
Arapahoe Libraries is working with the Colorado Local Entity Air Network (CLEAN) to host air quality sensors at Sheridan, May and Smoky Hill libraries as part of the Love My Air program.
CURRENT AIR QUALITY BY LIBRARY
Learn how you can make a difference with the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, opens a new window, we are in this #TogetherForCleanAir.
How Do You Celebrate Earth Day?
Air Quality Monitoring: Actionable Next Steps
Air Quality Monitors for Check Out
Climate Chapter Books
Air quality standards have been raised in all libraries. Outdoor air intake has increased and upgraded air filtration systems reduce exposure to airborne disease. Air purifiers, ozone generators and needle point bipolar ionization were added in 2020. Needle point bipolar ionization inactivates 99.4% of airborne viral and bacterial diseases, as well as occurring and seasonal allergens.
RESPONSIBLE ENERGY & GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
- Dark-sky compliant exterior LED lighting to help eliminate light pollution
- Interior LED lighting inside libraries
- Responsibly-sourced paper products in restrooms
- Thermoplastic olefin roofing to help offset carbon footprint
- Daylight harvesting plan to reduce artificial light use and save energy
- Low volatile organic compounds paints
- Solar installed at Castlewood Library
- Electric car charging station added to Kelver and Smoky Hill libraries
WASTE MINIMIZATION & DIVERSION
- Single stream recycling
- Extensive recycling programs for numerous materials
- Composting in the cafes
- Purchased facilities supplies have high recycle content and are forest certified
- Carpet and flooring is Green Circle Certified
- Paint is recycled through GreenSheen Paint of Denver
WATER CONSERVATION & QUALITY
- To minimize irrigation water use, native vegetation, hybrid turfs, mulch, xeriscaping, and turf conversion is applied
- Water sensors and irrigation controllers to help prevent over watering
- Low flow plumbing fixtures and automatic faucets to minimize water consumption
ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY
- Partners with Colorado Local Entity Air Network in the Love My Air program
- Partners with Food Bank of the Rockies and have food distribution at Kelver Library
- Works with Aunt Flow to provide menstrual products for patrons
- Hosts many education programs
- Community Resource Specialists who provide community resources
- Mobile Library Services provides library services and resources to underserved areas
