Fairfield Area Library has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design and construction and reduced impact on the environment.
The library, which opened in October 2019 at 1401 N. Laburnum Ave., is Henrico’s 18th government or school building to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Nine are recognized at the Gold level, nine others at Silver. The internationally recognized green building program evaluates construction projects for strategies including location, site design, water and energy efficiency, building material selection, daylight and views, and indoor air quality.
Fairfield Area Library, which encompasses 45,000 square feet over its two stories, was noted for such features as LED interior and exterior lighting, third-party verification of its mechanical and electrical systems and long-term energy performance verification. The building’s design emphasizes daylight for all spaces and views to the outside. Building materials include rapidly renewable cork, sustainably harvested wood and low-emitting materials to improve air quality.
A 268-kilowatt solar system, set for installation on the library’s roof in 2022, is expected to produce about 75% of the building’s electricity. The system is projected to reduce electricity costs by nearly $267,000 over 25 years.
More information about Fairfield Area Library and Henrico’s other LEED-certified buildings is available online.
