The Reed-Westover facility, new home of the Westover Branch Library, has been awarded Gold Certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

In order to achieve a gold rating, buildings needs to receive 39 LEED points, through addressing issues of water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The Reed Westover facility received 40 points from the USGBC.

The project also preserved a portion of the original brick school building. Although not part of the final LEED rating determination, reusing existing structures is one of the “greenest” techniques available as it reduces construction waste and eliminates the need to use new construction materials.

Read more about this great green honor, and the design and building strategies that were utilized.