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Berkeley’s West Branch Library generates more energy than it uses

Cultural Facilities

Berkeley’s West Branch Library generates more energy than it uses

The 9,400-sf facility is California's first Net Zero Energy-certified building.


By BD+C Staff | April 6, 2015
Berkeley’s West Branch Library generates more energy than it uses

Photos: David Wakely, courtesy Harley Ellis Devereaux

Berkeley, Calif.’s new West Branch Library was recently certified as a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Building under the Living Building Challenge certification program (v3.0) of the International Living Future Institute. The certification makes the library the first ZNE public library in California.

Designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux, with Tipping Mar as structural engineer and West Bay Builders as general contractor, the 9,400-sf facility uses mixed-mode natural ventilation, radiant floor heating and cooling, rooftop solar, and extensive daylighting (90% of spaces) to generate more energy than it uses annually (-7,144 kWh).

The West Branch Library also features:

  • Dense urban site
  • FSC Certified wood – 97%
  • On site renewable energy
  • On site stormwater treatment

Other Building Team members: GreenWorks Studio (sustainability consultant), Moran Engineering (civil engineer), John Northmore Roberts and Associates (landscape architect), and   Cumming Corp. (cost estimator).

 

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