Arapahoe Libraries is a certified Silver member of the Colorado Green Business Network, opens a new window, a statewide, voluntary program that encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make the move toward the goal of true, operational sustainability. Arapahoe Libraries is committed to meeting milestones each year and to keep improving our environmental impact by implementing measures for energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible product purchasing, recycling initiatives, and environmental justice.
Responsible Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction
- Fully dark-sky compliant exterior LED lighting to help eliminate light pollution
- Interior LED lighting inside libraries
- Responsibly sourced paper products in restrooms
- Daylight harvesting plan to reduce artificial light use and save energy
- Low/No VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints
- Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at Smoky Hill and Kelver libraries
- Solar installed at Castlewood Library
Waste Minimization & Diversion
- Discarded library materials are 100% repurposed or recycled
- Single stream recycling for #1–7
- Recycling of PPE, plastic film, batteries, and more
- Responsible product purchasing
- New construction uses materials with large amounts of recycled content
- Worn carpet squares are 100% recyclable
Water Conservation & Quality
- To minimize irrigation water use: irrigation controllers, native vegetation, drip systems, water sensors, mulch and xeriscaping is used
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures, automatic faucets, waterless urinals to reduce water consumption indoors
- Water bottle filling stations to encourage reusing water bottles
Environmental Justice
- Proper disposal of hazardous waste
- Community clean-up
- Food Bank program
- Aunt Flow program
- Safe and healthy spaces
- Air monitoring sensors
- Educational events and resources
