Sustainability Report
Certificates
Embodied carbon
The primary embodied carbon strategy is the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the entire structural system, including exterior walls, interior walls, floor, and roof. The CLT panels were manufactured in Washington State by Vaagen Timbers using locally sourced Douglas fir, significantly reducing transportation emissions while supporting regional forestry supply chains. Mass timber products store biogenic carbon within the wood fibers for the life of the building, making them substantially lower in embodied emissions compared to steel or concrete structural systems. The use of skylights manufactured by Crystalite and high-performance glazing such as SunGuard contributes to both daylighting and thermal performance.
Additional embodied-carbon reduction strategies include:
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Use of locally sourced timber products
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Reduced structural material quantities through efficient panelized CLT construction
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Prefabricated timber panels that allowed the structural enclosure to be erected in three days, reducing construction waste and site impacts
- Selection of low-VOC and non-toxic materials for finishes and interior components
Operational Emissions / Energy
Operational carbon reduction is addressed through a combination of energy efficiency and onsite renewable generation. Key strategies include:
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Rooftop photovoltaic array providing onsite renewable electricity
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High-performance building envelope to reduce heating and cooling loads
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Energy-efficient HVAC systems supplied by Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric
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Extensive daylighting through skylights and large windows, reducing artificial lighting demand
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High-efficiency lighting and lighting controls
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Electric vehicle charging stations supporting low-carbon transportation
Service and maintenance emissions
The project reduces long-term maintenance emissions through material durability and simplified building systems. Key strategies include:
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Exposed CLT structure, reducing the need for additional interior finishing materials
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Durable exterior metal cladding from AEP Span
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Long-lasting roofing membranes from Soprema
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Energy-efficient lighting systems integrated with controls by Siemens
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Durable interior finishes including carpet from Milliken
Afterlife
The design incorporates long-term spatial flexibility to accommodate evolving library programs. The main reading room is organized as a large open-span space with no interior columns or permanent partitions, allowing shelving systems, seating areas, and program spaces to be reconfigured over time. Areas for children, teens, and adults can be rearranged as community needs evolve. This adaptable planning strategy reduces the likelihood of future major renovations or structural modifications.
The structural system contributes to the potential of a circular economy. Mass timber components such as CLT panels can be mechanically disassembled and reused or recycled at the end of the building’s life. Panelized prefabrication also reduces construction waste and allows individual structural elements to be removed or repurposed if necessary. Additionally, the exposed timber structure reduces the need for layered finish assemblies, simplifying material separation in future deconstruction scenarios.
Key products in low carbon design
