Arapahoe Libraries Sustainability Impact Report 2025

2025 Report PDF, opens a new window

Executive Summary

In 2025, Arapahoe Libraries continued advancing its commitment to sustainability through strategic investments in facilities, infrastructure, employee engagement and responsible resource management. Its leadership was recognized externally with gold level certification with the Colorado Green Business Network and receipt of the Sustainability Innovation Award from the International Facilities Management Denver Chapter.

Rather than focusing on individual projects, sustainability efforts increasingly became part of how the library plans capital improvements, manages resources and serves the community. Investments in building modernization, water conservation, waste diversion and employee engagement continue to generate measurable environmental benefits while supporting responsible stewardship of public resources.

2025 Sustainability at a Glance

3,011,800 Million Gallons of Water Saved
District-wide water use decreased 25.1% through smart irrigation, landscape improvements, and turf reduction.

41,808+ Square Feet of Turf Converted
Sustainable landscaping reduced irrigation demand while creating more resilient, attractive outdoor spaces.

94,350 kWh Generated by Castlewood Solar
2014 installation of PV rooftop 65 kWh solar array produced 103.2% of expected production.

Energy Investments Deliver Results
HVAC modernization projects contributed to measurable energy reductions at several library locations despite temporary construction impacts.

393% Increase in Ink & Toner Recycling
Staff recycled 776 toner cartridges and 155 ink cartridges through Konica Minolta's Clean Planet Program.

Renovation Advances Sustainability Goals
The former administration building was transformed into The Space and Cafe, a community coworking space featuring energy-efficient building systems and Arapahoe Libraries’ second solar-powered location.

Employee Engagement Continues to Grow
Green Teams expanded and participated in recycling, composting and specialty waste diversion programs across the district.

Strategic Outcomes

Building More Efficient Facilities

Strategic investments in building infrastructure continue to improve long-term facility performance. Several library locations demonstrated significant improvements through equipment modernization and operational optimization.

Although district-wide electricity and natural gas consumption increased modestly in 2025, the increase was primarily due to temporary systems required to safely maintain occupancy of the administration building during renovation.

Key Outcomes:

• 5.4% reduction in electricity use at Eloise May Library
• 25.3% reduction in natural gas use at Eloise May Library
• 19.9% reduction in natural gas use at Castlewood Library
• Continued improvement in building efficiency through HVAC modernization

Why This Matters:

Strategic investments in building systems reduce long-term operating costs, improve occupant comfort and extend the useful life of district facilities.

Expanding Renewable Energy

2025 also marked a major investment in on-site renewable energy. The former administration building (now The Space and Cafe) became the second Arapahoe Libraries location to install solar panels. Solar installation includes a 97.58 kW DC photovoltaic system with battery storage designed to offset a substantial portion of the building's electricity demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• 97.58 kW DC / 125 kW AC solar PV system with battery storage
• Approximately 80–90 metric tons of CO₂ avoided annually
• Environmental benefit equal to planting roughly 1,500–2,000 trees each year
• Supports long-term utility savings, grid resilience and public education

Proven Performance at Castlewood Library

The Castlewood Library rooftop solar array continues to perform exceptionally well. An independent maintenance inspection found the 69-kW system operating in good condition with no repairs or upgrades recommended. The array generated 94,350 kWh during 2025, achieving approximately 103.2% of modeled production and demonstrating reliable performance more than a decade after installation.

• 69 kW rooftop photovoltaic system installed in 2014
• 94,350 kWh generated in 2025 (103.2% of expected production)
• No repairs or performance concerns identified
• Annual inspections and monitoring support continued reliability

Conserving water through smart investment

Water conservation represented the district's most significant sustainability achievement in 2025.

Landscape improvements, irrigation technology, and sustainable site design reduced district-wide water consumption by more than 3,011,800 million gallons, a 25.1% reduction from 2024.

Beyond reducing utility costs, these improvements created healthier landscapes, expanded gathering spaces, and improved long-term resilience during periods of drought.

Key Outcomes:

• 25.1% reduction in district-wide water consumption
• 41,808+ square feet of turf converted to low-water landscaping
• Smart irrigation technology installed and monitored
• Reduced irrigated turf by 14.3% while enhancing outdoor spaces

Why This Matters:

These investments demonstrate responsible stewardship of public resources while reducing long-term operating expenses.

Advancing the Circular Economy

Waste diversion efforts continued to mature despite temporary impacts associated with the administration building renovation. While overall diversion volumes declined temporarily, employee participation and specialty recycling programs achieved substantial growth.

Key Outcomes:

• 23% increase in Ridwell recycling collections
• 81% increase in composting • 23% increase in electronics recycling
• 393% increase in ink and toner recycling
• Stronger furniture reuse and asset stewardship practices

Why This Matters:

These initiatives reduce waste disposal costs, maximize the value of district assets, and reinforce responsible procurement and resource management.

Investing in People

One of the district's greatest sustainability successes continues to be employee engagement.

Green Teams have become an important driver of innovation by increasing participation in recycling programs, identifying operational improvements, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship throughout the organization.

Employee-led waste diversion continues to demonstrate that sustainable practices are most successful when supported by engaged staff and integrated into daily operations.

Why This Matters:

Employee engagement strengthens organizational culture while creating measurable environmental and operational benefits.

Looking Ahead

Arapahoe Libraries is well positioned to build on the progress achieved in 2025.

Future Efforts Will Focus On:

• Optimizing our facilities
• Continuing energy benchmarking and performance improvements
• Investing in renewable energy where feasible
• Expanding sustainable landscape initiatives
• Growing employee engagement through Green Teams
• Advancing circular economy and waste reduction programs
• Identifying new opportunities to improve operational efficiency

Conclusion

The 2025 results reflect more improvements in environmental performance and demonstrate the continued evolution of sustainability as a core strategy at Arapahoe Libraries.

Strategic investments in facilities, infrastructure and employee engagement are creating long-term value by improving operational efficiency, reducing resource consumption, strengthening organizational resilience and supporting responsible stewardship of public resources.

While the administration building renovation temporarily influenced several performance metrics, the broader story is one of continuous improvement and thoughtful investment in systems that will benefit the organization and the community for years to come.

2025 Data Displays