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McElveen library receives Silver LEED certification

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  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Shaw AFB McElveen Library received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification during a ceremony here July 1. 

This recognition is unique because only four LEED certifications have been given to the Air Force. The library was completed February 2007 at cost of $4.2 million. 

"The opening ceremony of this library was one of the first things I got to do as a commander," said Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "Hopefully we can make this (certification) the rule, rather than the exception." 

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. 

Shaw's library earned 34 points in six categories of the LEED certification rating system. The certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Mr. Michael Mantai, USGBC South Carolina chapter president, spoke at the ceremony about the library's sustainment qualities. 

"Out of a total of 120 projects in South Carolina that have registered for LEED certification; 20, including this building, have earned certification," Mr. Mantai said. "Achieving certification takes the commitment, dedication, hard work and follow through of everyone involved in the creation of the building." 

The library encourages alternate means of transportation by providing bike racks and car pool parking spots, it has a light colored roof, which saves energy, and the library uses 20 percent less water, he said. 

The library also diverted 80 tons of concrete and 8 tons of metal from landfills to recycling centers.