ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
EVERYDAY IS EARTH DAY AT ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES
COLORADO GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK
Arapahoe Libraries is a certified Silver Level Member of theColorado Green Business Network, opens a new window, a voluntary program that encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make the move toward the goal of true, operational sustainability. Learn more about this newly-formed program in a 2022 press release on howColorado recognizes state businesses for commitment to sustainability, opens a new window.
Arapahoe Libraries is committing to meeting milestones each year and to keep improving our environmental impact by looking for new and innovated ways to save energy, educate others on the benefits of going green, and by implementing practices that create safe and healthy spaces.
Did you know?In 2013, Eloise May Library was awarded with the local and regional Outstanding Building of the Year Award (government building category) by the Denver Chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association.
LOVE MY AIR
Arapahoe Libraries is working with the Colorado Local Entity Air Network (CLEAN) to host air quality sensors atSheridan,MayandSmoky Hilllibraries as part of the Love My Air program.
Learn how you can make a difference with theInternational Day of Clean Air for blue skies, opens a new window, we are in this #TogetherForCleanAir.
How Do You Celebrate Earth Day?
Grow Your Summer Garden With Our Seed Libraries
亨利Winkler and Lin Oliver at Arapahoe Libraries
Every Day Is Earth Day at Arapahoe Libraries
Air quality standards have been raised in all libraries. Outdoor air intake has increased and upgraded air filtration systems reduce exposure to airborne disease. Air purifiers, ozone generators and needle point bipolar ionization were added in 2020. Needle point bipolar ionization inactivates 99.4% of airborne viral and bacterial diseases, as well as occurring and seasonal allergens.
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
- 低VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints
- Solar installed atCastlewood Library
- Electric car charging station added toKelver Library
WASTE MINIMIZATION & DIVERSION
- Biannual hazardous waste disposal
- Single stream recycling for #1–7
- Recycling of disposable gloves, plastic bags, lamps and writing instruments
- 100% recyclable soap and sanitizer bottles with 25% post-consumer content
- New construction uses materials with large amounts of recycled content
- Worn carpet squares are 100% recyclable
WATER CONSERVATION & QUALITY
- To minimize irrigation water use, native vegetation, drip systems, mulch and xeriscaping is used
- Water sensors to help prevent watering during rain
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption
- Waterless urinals and automatic faucets help minimize water use
