Metro Detroit is proving to be a great place for people, businesses and even local governments to find ways of going green. Ferndale is one of many cities surrounding Detroit that is continually showing its green colors.
The Ferndale Public Library has recently been completely remodeled and is a reflection of the entire city’s desire to be more environmentally friendly. Back in August, the library reopened the doors to its new facility on Nine Mile Rd.
“We have a beautiful new green building, new public access computers and new material,” the library told GreeningDetroit.com. “We’re looking forward to seeing our regular users again, and we’re extending an invitation to everyone to come see what we have to offer.”
The library’s vision and mission is to bring people and information together in a vibrant environment by being welcoming and responsive to live and work in the community, and by providing quality resources and innovative programs in a comfortable setting.
The library has many green initiatives and has applied for certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Some of the library’s green features include:
- A reflective roof, which reduces the amount of heat absorbed from the sun.
- Sunscreen awnings over the windows that reduce incoming sunlight in the summer months.
- Increased insulation in the walls and ceilings.
- Energy efficient LED lighting.
- A living roof on some parts of the building, in which trays of sedum plants help keep the building cool during the summer months. They also reduce rain runoff into the storm drains.
- Low-E windows (“e” refers to emissivity) help the building to be more efficient.
- A geothermal system, which utilizes the constant temperature of the Earth to help moderate the library’s air.
Click here to be introduced to the Ferndale Public Library
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.
