The facility was certified LEED ® Gold in 2024.
Donelson Library Sustainability Highlights
- Rooftop solar panels capable of generating 33 kilowatts of energy from the sun
- Geo-exchange system for heating and cooling the building – this system uses a heat pump to circulate water through a series of underground pipes, allowing the near-constant underground temperatures (around 50-60 °F) to help cool the building in the summer and help heat it in the winter.
- Water-saving faucets and toilets that help the building reduce water use by over 25%
- Daylight sensors that detect light levels and adjust interior lighting to save energy
- Paints, glues, and fabrics with low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to improve indoor air quality
- Steel structure, wall studs, and ceiling tiles made with recycled materials
- Passive solar design to regulate indoor temperatures while also allowing plenty of natural light
- Landscaping that features native plants, which reduce outdoor water use and attract beneficial pollinators
- Vegetated Bioswale to slow rainwater and filter pollutants from waterways
- Solar bench that uses enclosed solar panels to power phone chargers, ambient lighting, and environment sensors
- Electric Vehicle charging stations
- Educational signage dispersed throughout the facility for visitors of all ages to learn about sustainability
- 1/3 acre of green space surrounding the facility
- Outdoor hydration station for both pets and humans