Preview of the First Green Building in Broward:
A Regional Library

   
   
   
  

On December 14, Broward County Library offered a sneak peek of the first green building in Broward - the South Regional/Broward Community College Library. The new library is located on the South Campus of Broward Community College at 7300 Pines Boulevard in Pembroke Pines. The United States Green Building Council president, Carolyn Mitchell, hosted the preview event, and speakers included officials from Broward County, Broward County Library and Broward Community College.

Green buildings are structures created in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's (LEED) Green Building Rating System. They are environmentally sound and energy-efficient. The two-story high library was designed in an efficient box shape. Windows were placed to maximize natural light and minimize glare, and the roof was painted white to reflect heat from the sun. Additionally, the building's structural system and mechanical system were designed to preserve energy and keep operating costs low.

South Regional Library has bicycle storage and changing rooms for cyclists, carpooling spaces, on-site storm water retention, light pollution reduction and landscaping that uses only native, drought-tolerant plants. Inside, only low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet were used in the construction, and carbon monoxide levels are monitored.

The new library is scheduled to open on February 1 at 10:00 am with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.