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Hastings Public Library

Green Building

The Hastings Public Library is a Green, LEED certified building opened in 2007.

Green Features Audio Podcasts

The following audio podcasts are taken from an Audio Tour of the library explaining the various ‘green’ aspects of Hastings Public Library. The five podcasts correspond to the five stops on the tour at various spots around the library. (for the sake of length, station 3 is divided into 3 and 3.5)
Structure:
Audio Station 1 - Steel structure
Lights:
Lighting in the building
Air:
air vent
Water:
toilet flush sign for water conservation
Rain Garden:
Rain Garden
Rooftop Garden:
Rooftop Garden

Green Cleaning Program

Hastings Public Library has designed its new building for excellent air quality. To that end, the library has specified that the HVAC system supply a high standard of air quality. Furthermore, the Library has chosen interior products, including paints, adhesives, flooring, insulation, upholstery, that do little or no “off-gassing.” The health and safety of staff and library patrons is of utmost importance and takes precedence over all policies and to insure this safety the library administrator shall review this policy and its implementation annually

Whenever possible, Hastings Public Library will eliminate toxic chemicals that create hazards to staff, library patrons, and the library’s environment. Some chemicals used in common cleaning products have been shown to cause adverse health effects and negatively affect indoor air quality. Research suggests that to minimize the potential for health and safety risks from cleaning products, the least toxic product that can perform the job should be purchased. In addition, toxic chemicals require special handling, storage, and disposal, which might add to the cost of using, keeping, and disposing of these products.

Hastings Public Library will endeavor to meet the following health and environmental requirements:

  • Undiluted product must not be toxic to humans.
  • Undiluted product must not contain any ingredients that are carcinogens or that are known to cause reproductive toxicity, unless present in concentrations below the applicable maximum contaminant levels of drinking water.
  • Undiluted product must not be corrosive to the skin or eyes, nor be a skin sensitizer.
  • Undiluted product must not be combustible.
  • Product as used must not contain substances that contribute to poor indoor air quality. ANY VOC (volatile organic compound) of the product used be less than 0.1% by weight. The product used must not be toxic to aquatic life.
  • Each of the organic ingredients must be readily biodegradable.
  • The product as used must not contain more than 0.5% by weight of total phosphorus.
  • The product must be a concentrate.
  • Manufacturers must identify any fragrances on their MSDS sheets.
  • The product must not contain: Heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, nickel, selenium, or ozone-depleting compounds.
  • All products including carpet cleaning, disinfectants, and floor care products must meet the Green Seal standards (GS-37, GS-40) or comparable standards.
  • Hand soaps must not be anti-microbial, although a low-level preservative is permissible to prevent bacterial growth.
  • The Hastings Public Library will use the following green cleaning practices:
  • The entryways and entryway mats, inside and out, will be cleaned frequently. Dirt will be trapped and removed before it enters the building.
  • Cleaning solvents will be applied directly to the cloth rather than sprayed on the surface to be cleaned to minimize particles and chemicals in the air.
  • Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label approved vacuums and bags will be used.
  • Vacuum bags will be emptied frequently for more efficient operation.
  • There will be a focus on implementing measures to prevent accidents and any accidents will be cleaned up quickly.
  • Microfiber dusting cloths and flat mops will be used.
  • Touch-points, items that people come in contact with, such as door handles and fixtures will be a focus for cleaning.
  • Environmentally sensitive paper products, such as recycled tissues and towels bleached without the use of chlorine will be used.
  • Maintain an effective recycling program.
  • Publicize the green cleaning program so that staff and library users understand the importance of their contribution to the success of the process. It’s essential that everyone help ensure a healthy facility by properly reporting spills, cleaning-up foods and debris, and eliminating clutter.
Filed under: green, cleaning, LEED
Window Project Updates

Latest News:

3/4/24: The windows are done! Final details are being wrapped up, including interior building cleaning.

Location & Hours

Main Branch
Hastings Public Library
227 E. State St., Hastings, MI 49058

Library image
Phone: 269-945-4263
Fax: 269-948-3874

Library & Drive-thru Hours:

  • Monday - Thursday: 9am - 8pm
  • Friday: 9am - 6pm
  • Saturday: 9am - 3pm

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