Design for New Town Library Taking Shape

By Patsy Smith

The Mancos Public Library recently hosted a program presented by the facility's consultant for Leaderhip in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Renee Azerbegi, who provided information about the process of certification under the LEED Green Building Rating System from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Azerbegi discussed the green strategies for the new library building including construction activity pollution prevention, site development, water efficiency, on-site renewable energy (photovoltaic panels), recycled and rapidly renewable building materials, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.

Following that, the project architect, Dennis Humphries, offered the latest design for the new library building to the library board and building project team. This design represents 50 percent of the design development phase. The final design will be presented to the board on Thursday, November 15. Participants discussed all aspects of the design, including LEED points associated with the green strategies. The construction manager, Robert Lea with Davidson Construction, Inc., put together preliminary figures for construction costs. Steve Eccher of Eccher Design & Planning, LLC., who was recently hired as the owner's representative for the project was in attendance.

The latest design is included so that the public has an opportunity to see two views of the exterior design of the new library. Plans of the exterior and interior are available at the library for public review and are posted on the library website, http://mancos.lib.co.us/. Library board members and staff welcome the public's input and ideas on the design.

For more information, contact the Mancos Public Library at [970] 533.7569.

From the Mancos Times

LEED Charette for Sustainability Review

Presented by Renee Azerbegi and Jen Burnianek, Ambient Energy, LEED consultants for the Mancos Public Library Building Project.
The purpose of the meeting was to develop sustainable design strategies and set project goals. After reviewing the LEED scorecard, the project will meet the minimum requirement of equivalent to LEED Certified and will likely be eligible for a rating equivalent to LEED Silver or Gold.
Sustainable Design Goals:
The Mancos Public Library Board wants the building to meet a LEED Certified Level
30 to 40% savings in annual energy costs compared to a code compliant building (compliant to the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy code)
2.5% or more on-site energy will be renewable energy
Lighting Levels 2-3% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2004/IESNA
To be rated Energy Star based on utility bills
30% - 40% savings in annual water usage from plumbing fixtures
50% reduction in annual water usage from irrigation
20% or more local/regional materials
10% ormore recycled content materials
50% or mre construction waste recycling
90% of occupants will have views
The project will incorporate the following sustainability rating systems and guidelines:
LEED-NC version 2.2 for New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation, a rating system developed by the US Green Building Council
Renee and Jen presented the potential LEED points for the new Mancos Public Library. Attendees discussed which points were likely, which ones are to be investigated, or which are not likely.
Ambient Engergy: http://www.ambient-e.com/
US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/

Mancos Library Director Gives Project Update

Mancos Public Library Director Patsy Smith recently gave an update for the planned new library facility. Below is a description of the project progress.

LEED Consultant hired: Ambient Energy, Inc., Renee Azerbegi, President, from Golden, Colorado was retained in November as LEED conslutant for the building project. Ambient Energy will provide the design and construction phases, and willo be responsible for submitting documentation to the US Gren Building Council for certification of the project.
Conceptual designs: Dennis Humphries and Matt Wilhelm are currently working on several conceptual designs for the new library. These preliminary designs will be completed by January 2007.

Grants: The Department of Local Affairs awarded the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant in the amount of $350,000 for the building project. In addition, the grant committee is preparing applications to numerous priate foundation grants.

RFP for Construction Manager/General Contractor: A request for proposals for the construction manager/general contractor is being prepared and will be advertised next month. The CM/GC will work with the building team during the final design phase and the construction of the new library.