The Timberglen Branch Library in Dallas, opened in ­­­2007, has received LEED® NC 2.1 Gold certification from the USGBC. Designed by the Dallas office of PSA-Dewberry, an architectural and engineering firm, the library is an 18,000-sq.-ft. structure that includes collections space, a children's area, and classroom and meeting space. Sustainable features were a high priority for the city throughout the design process, with a focus on reducing energy and water consumption.  

"The City of Dallas is setting the sustainable design standard in this region of the United States," says Tim S. Kraft, AIA, LEED AP, a principal with PSA-Dewberry. "Through this project, the city has taken several steps to educate and encourage sustainability beyond the building itself—with a green touch screen kiosk, the kinetic, wind-powered art sculpture, and the advanced water saving features on the site."

Kraft oversaw the design of the Timberglen Branch Library and previously managed the breakthrough sustainable design of the city's police headquarters downtown, which earned a LEED Silver certification.  

Highlights of the library include a rainwater collection system, through which rainwater collected in two 50,000-gallon concrete cisterns is reused for irrigation and for flushing the water closets to reduce the use of potable water. The design team also focused on minimizing the "heat island" effect by incorporating light-colored paving in the parking area, plaza, and walkways; and specifying an Energy Star™-compliant metal roofing system. The building envelope was designed to reduce heat gain and air infiltration, and the city authorized the reservation of preferred parking spaces near the building entrance for ultra-low emitting vehicles.  

The building's indirect lighting fixtures are automatically controlled by daylight and occupancy sensors. Light shelves and sun shades further reduce the need for electric light during the day. The HVAC systems are equipped with highly efficient filtration media to enhance air quality.  Recycled and low- or no-VOC materials and finishes were used through the building.   Innovations include an educational computer kiosk with a touch screen that is integrated with the building automation system (BAS). The system monitors and displays real-time and historical consumption data for electricity, potable water and rainwater use. Visitors can learn about the green features of the building, interactively explore the LEED checklist, and study historical data regarding energy consumption in order to learn about the importance of conserving natural resources.