Steps that our division has already taken (or is currently taking) to increase sustainability and environmental performance, reduce waste, save energy, etc.
1. During the recent renovation of the GHL/LD work space in the A&H Jones Street building, fluorescent light fixtures were replaced with motion-detection LED fixtures.
2. A filtered water station was added to the workspace during the renovation to encourage staff to use refillable water bottles instead of purchasing water in plastic bottles.
3. SL purchased an Energy Star certified refrigerator for the newly renovated space
4. State Library staff actively recycle paper, cans, and bottles.
5. Several years ago, the GHL weeded approximately 2,000 pounds of microfiche. Instead of putting the fiche into the landfill, the library paid a company to recycle the fiche.
6. Library administration encourages staff to ride share when traveling on library business.
7. LBPH reduced trips with the NCLBPH truck from two per day to one per day.
8. LBPH is working with landlord to replace lighting in and outside the building with more energy efficient lighting.
Steps that our division would like to explore/research to increase sustainability and environmental performance, reduce waste, save energy, etc.
1. The GHL would like to find alternate solutions for the disposal of weeded books and other library materials. The only options right now for weeded books are sending them to the landfill or taking staff time to remove covers and recycling the text blocks. An option where the materials could be sent to an organization like Better World Books or donated to a nonprofit would be ideal.
2. Move towards a paperless workspace by reducing the amount of materials that staff print
3. Consider purchasing smaller amounts of supplies to eliminate future waste as supply needs change.
4. Replace florescent lights in the GHL 1st, 4th, and 5th floor stacks with motion-detection LED fixtures.