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Sustainable DPL

The Denver Public Library is serious about sustainability. We look daily for ways to reduce our consumption of resources, use renewable resources, reduce our pollutants and create alternative methods for connecting people with materials.
Check out the Library Value Calculator and the Library's green initiatives:

The Denver Public Library’s Green Achievements, 2007

Reuse of material is what libraries do. Reusing material saves the cost of producing the material. In 2007 we had 530,368 customers who borrowed 9,517,573 items.
43,052,707 online transactions. This includes access to the catalog, articles, books, audio books, and videos. Customers can enjoy library resources from the comfort of home or office.
The Booklovers’ Ball went green. The event featured some of the latest ideas in green event planning, including an opportunity to purchase carbon credits for travel to and from the event, low impact event invitations, décor, catering supplies, locally grown food, local organic wine and other environmentally friendly programs.
In April and May of 2007, Fresh City Life devoted a month of programs to Greenprint Denver, culminating in an event with Academy Award winning producer and climate change activist Laurie David.
The bookmobile service checked out 33,052 items to patrons who are not able to access a local library. The bookmobile has 19 stops near schools and senior centers.
86 employees (nearly 20% of staff) participated in the RTD value pass program.
Interlibrary Loan and Prospector services fielded over 250,000 requests to borrow and loan materials from libraries nearby and around the world.

Greener Library Buildings

In 2007, Denver voters approved funding for 3 new branch libraries. These new buildings will be LEED Silver certified.
At all 23 library locations, the temperature set points in building are maintained between 68 and 74 degrees. We heat up to 68 and cool to 74.
Eight locations have digital controls to control the temperature set point.
Two locations have digital lighting controls and are able to set a lighting schedule.
Infrared motion sensor lighting installed where possible.
Three locations have HVAC equipment rated at 85% efficient. (Hampden, Barnum, and Bear Valley)
The scheduled HVAC replacement at Woodbury Branch Library is rated at 90% efficient.
19 locations have energy efficient lamps and ballasts.
We use low VOC (volatile organic compound) painting practices. VOCs produce a volatile gas when applied, diminish air quality, and may be detrimental to health.
Carpet replacement projects use Interface eco-friendly carpet; no glue, no VOC, recycled content.
Waste carpet from the carpet replacement projects are sent to a carpet recycler.
Facilities methods and practices directed toward green compliance; cleaning products are eco-friendly when possible, rags are laundered for reuse and we use microfiber mops and walk-off mats at all entrances.
Replacement countertops are solid surface and/or solid wood surfaces instead of laminate.
Full participation of all 23 libraries in Denver’s recycling program.

Energy and Emissions

Library users can request most items in the collection be delivered to their local branch, saving a trip across town.
In 2001, purchased one hybrid vehicle.
Three delivery trucks run on biodiesel B20 fuel. Plan is to consider this option on all future purchases.
Redesigned daytime delivery routes resulting in mileage and fuel use reduction.
Redesigned routine facilities maintenance schedule routes resulting in mileage and fuel use reduction.

Water conservation

Reduce water usage by replacing, as needed, the tank type toilets with low flow toilets.

Recycling

In 2003, started recycling office waste paper and cardboard.
1st quarter 2007 all locations participate in Denver’s single stream recycling program.
Second life to books weeded from the collection; as a used book dealer on Amazon since 2000, our Annual book sale (15 years running), and our ongoing mini book sales at branch libraries.
In 2004, started recycling scrap metals.
In 1998, started recycling cell phone, dry cell and UPS batteries.
In 1998, started recycling fluorescent light bulbs.
Recycle toner cartridges from printers and copiers.

Reduce paper use

In 2006, software implementation reduced paper use from 5,000 sheets of paper to 1500 sheets every 2 weeks in the Interlibrary Loan department.
Two Branch locations use print release stations for public printing, reducing unnecessary printouts and wasted paper. Customers are able to select the printouts they need and specifically which pages to print.
Electronic distribution of in-house data reports.
Electronic customer notification. On average, we electronically notify 3000 patrons each day regarding holds, overdues, etc.
There are 40,044 subscribers to 23 different online newsletters, keeping people informed while saving paper and postage.

If you would like to learn more about Denver’s sustainable and environmental initiatives, please visit greenprintdenver.org or check out the library's Greenprint resources. See About the Library for more information about budget, collections and more.