EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sustainability is a guiding principle at Arapahoe Libraries. As stewards of public resources, we aim to create safe and inclusive spaces, minimize our environmental impact and lead as a role model for sustainability in the communities we serve.
Many of our sustainability initiatives, once groundbreaking projects, are now seamlessly embedded in our daily operations:
- Energy efficiency: renewable energy use and energy-saving practices, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient equipment and solar installations.
- Waste reduction: recycling and composting programs and sustainable procurement.
- Water conservation: smart irrigation systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures and water bottle filling stations at all library locations.
- Community impact: programs and partnerships supporting social equity and environmental awareness.
KEY INITIATIVES
1. Responsible energy use & greenhouse gas reduction
Last year, Arapahoe Libraries reduced energy consumption by 13% from our 2022 baseline, as measured by site energy use intensity (EUI).
- Installed dark-sky compliant LED lighting at all locations to reduce light pollution.
- Transitioned to energy-efficient interior LED lighting at all libraries.
- Installed solar panels at Castlewood Library.
- Installed energy-efficient mechanical equipment that meets LEED, ASHRAE, AHRI and Energy Star certifications.
2. Waste minimization & diversion
Since 2021, we’ve diverted over 1 million pounds of waste from landfills — including 336,126 pounds in 2024 — boosting our total diversion rate by more than 55%.
- Recycled over 300,000 pounds of materials, including books, batteries, lamps and plastic film, through partnerships with Dream Books and Ridwell. Every book and media item that reaches the end of its life in our collection is donated, repurposed or recycled.
- During the remodel of the former library administration building, donated and repurposed 26,046 pounds of furniture and recycled 88,440 pounds of concrete and metal in partnership with Green Standards and local nonprofits.
- Launched innovative reuse projects, such as upcycling vinyl banners in partnership with Mile High Workshop and Esperanza Productions.
- Composted over 5,884 pounds of organic waste from the Koelbel and Smoky Hill library cafes
3. Water conservation
We've reduced water usage by more than 20% from our 2022 baseline, saving more than 782,000 gallons in 2024 alone.
- Converted over 22,000 square feet of turf — or 7.4% of turf — at multiple libraries, replacing it with attractive native plants, cobble and xeriscaping.
4. Social equity & community impact
Social equity is built into the Arapahoe Libraries mission. Last year, we:
- Offered hundreds of free events, programs and resources to support a literate, informed and fulfilled community.
- Partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies to host a monthly food pantry at Kelver Library, bringing nourishing meals to our neighbors while reducing food insecurity and waste.
- Partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to mail free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five throughout our community.
- Distributed thousands of local seed packets through the seed library and provided free gardening resources, helping patrons grow their own food.
- Installed an additional air quality monitoring sensor, for a total of four sensors across our library locations, as part of the Love My Air network.
- Partnered with The City of Sheridan to create an air quality monitor checkout program.
EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS
These successes are made possible by the dedication and efforts of all staff. 2024 marked new milestones in the library’s environmental efforts and in building a shared culture of sustainability.
Most exciting, we launched a “Green Teams” pilot program at Castlewood, Eloise May and Koelbel libraries. These teams manage recycling and cafe composting programs on the ground in the libraries and help coach other staff members. Having dedicated staff volunteers has been a gamechanger, allowing us to take on new sustainability projects and increase our positive impact.
We would like to express gratitude to all staff for their creativity, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile in promoting sustainability and equity. These efforts have a collective impact, helping the library district to be a responsible steward of public resources and create welcoming spaces for all.
FUTURE GOALS
Arapahoe Libraries remains committed to discovering and implementing innovative technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability. In 2025, we aim to:
- Expand staff education on green practices.
- Create organizational guidelines and procedures to formalize sustainability and environmental stewardship in library operations.
- Continue exploring partnerships to implement forward-thinking, environmentally friendly solutions.
- Build on our successes to further reduce our environmental footprint.
CONCLUSION
Libraries have long been at the forefront of sustainability through lending, free programs and providing equitable access to resources. They embrace the values of “reduce, reuse and recycle.” The achievements outlined in this report reflect those values in action and demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future.
We would like to thank our contributors, partners and staff for their outstanding dedication. Together, we are creating a positive impact on our local environment and the communities we serve.