PCA Leadership In Sustainability Award- Highland Library
December 29th, 2009 | Marketing, Project Showcase | award, Award Winning ICF, PCA, photovoltaic, rooftop garden
Congratulations to the Highland Sam J Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center in Highland, CA for winning the Portland Cement Associations Leadership In Sustainability Award for the City of Highland.
LEED Gold with Insulated Concrete Forms
The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center is a new 32,000 square foot library located in Highland CA. It opened on May 31, 2008 and is designed to meet LEED Gold certification. The library has many interactive displays and activities to help teach children about the nature, recycling and the environment.
Rooftop Garden
The exterior walls of the library were built with Reward Insulating concrete forms. Another measure of sustainable design, besides the ICFs, is evidenced by the library’s rooftop garden. This not only beautifies the structure and substantially increases the amount of green space, but also mitigates stormwater runoff and contributes to energy efficiency by absorbing the sun’s rays.
Concrete Used for Sustainability
The project was built with insulating concrete forms to maximize the energy efficiency of the exterior walls. The parking lots were built with recycled concrete. Concrete is used extensively throughout the facility and is featured prominently in exterior columns, the rooftop areas, a large amphitheater space, and exterior finishes
“Using concrete elements throughout for sustainable benefits contributes to our overall goal of making this library one that continues to educate the community about our environment and sustainability over its lifetime, ” said Highland Mayor.
Opened to the public in May 2008, funding was provided by a state grant from the Library Bond Act, the city Redevelopment Agency, San Bernardino County and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the tune of more than $16.5 million.
Insulating Concrete Form structures are winning awards nationwide and getting the recognition they deserve. Cities, school districts, and homeowners alike are witnessing the savings for their municipality or homes and achieving environmentally conscience goals when building with ICFs. It’s getting easier to see why we are The New Standard For Sustainability.
