Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) seeks to engage and transform people’s lives via 15 facilities, online resources, and mobile library services. With a mission to provide resources and opportunities that impact individual lives and build community, PPLD welcomes all community members to enrich their minds, make connections, and reach their full potential. PPLD is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 650,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo. PPLD seeks to be a sustainable leader in the Pikes Peak region. High Prairie Library is the flagship facility dedicated to this mission of district-wide sustainability. From top to bottom, High Prairie Library is designed to have a minimal impact on the environment. The team involved in the design and construction of this facility focused on utilizing recycled materials for the building, as well as using features that conserve energy and water. Some of the environmentally-friendly features at High Prairie Library include:

Responsible Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction

• • Lighting that is fully dark-sky compliant, eliminating light pollution.

  • Materials selected from regional manufacturers and the use of certified woods, which reduce shipping costs and impacts and prevent clear-cutting.

  • Extensive daylight harvesting plan, using windows, a central clerestory, occupancy sensors, and daylight sensors to reduce artificial light use and save energy.

  • A geothermal heat pump, saving an estimated 40-50% in energy consumption and costs .

  • Design that uses exterior windows paired with exhaust louvers in the atrium to promote natural ventilation.

  • Large overhangs on the building, reducing glare and solar heat gain in the summer, while allowing sunbeams to fill the library in the winter.

Waste Minimization & Diversion

• • Use of repurposed beetle kill pine throughout the facility.

  • Use of concrete, metal, and carpet containing large amounts of recycled content .

Water Conservation & Quality

• • Porous landscape design, creating less runoff, less storm water pollution, and lower cost for drainage infrastructure.

  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water demand by over 30% .

  • Use of native plants in the landscape, reducing water consumption by 50% .

Corporate Social Responsibility

• • Bird feeders onsite are donated from the community.

  • Coordinate a food drive for donation.

  • Have a seed library to encourage community gardeners from beginner to expert.