Sustainable Seattle Names KCLS’ Latest Construction as a “Built Environment” Award Finalist
ISSAQUAH, WA – March 2, 2018 – King County Library System’s (KCLS) Tukwila Library was selected as a finalist for a 2018 Sustainability Leadership Award by the conservation organization, Sustainable Seattle. Nominated in the “Built Environment: Innovative Projects” category for its newest library construction, KCLS will be recognized and celebrated along with other “green” leaders in the region. Winners were announced March 2 at Sustainable Seattle’s annual gala.
“We are excited to recognize the King County Library System’s Tukwila Library for their finalist nomination in the ‘Built Environment’ category,” said BJ Cummings, executive director of Sustainable Seattle. “King County Library System’s proactive environmental leadership in the building’s design is well aligned with the category’s pillars: a conscious impact in waste, energy, storm water, water quality and materials.”
King County Library System – Tukwila Library, Tukwila, Wash. Photographer: Patrick Bennett
Designed by Perkins+Will and constructed by Edifice Construction, the 10,000 square-foot Tukwila Library opened in April 2017, replacing the former Foster Library. The Tukwila Library’s sustainable elements include regionally-sourced wood throughout its interior, native plants for landscaping, and a green roof with heat and drought-tolerant native plants which helps regulate interior temperatures and reduces storm water runoff.
“From the planning and site-design process to the selection of vendors who use recycled materials, King County Library System demonstrates its commitment to sustainability practices for each new or renovated KCLS library,” said Gregory Smith, KCLS director of facilities. “With voters’ approval to support the Capital Improvement Plan in 2004, our libraries have been built to widely-respected LEED standards, while still holding to our policy of fiscal responsibility,” he said. “So, it’s wonderful to be recognized for the green initiatives our team already adheres to responsibly and passionately.”
King County Library System has received recognition and numerous awards by the contracting and architectural communities for the quality, design and green elements of its new and expanded libraries. To learn more about the Tukwila Library and KCLS’s Capital Improvement Plan, visit KCLS Capital Bond Projects.
About Sustainable Seattle
Sustainable Seattle is a 25 year-old nonprofit with a mission to help build a thriving and livable future in the greater Seattle Area by connecting, educating and inspiring people, organizations and businesses. Sustainable Seattle’s vision is for a healthy ecology, strong local economies and livable neighborhoods for all. For more information visit sustainableseattle.org.
About King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County in Washington State, KCLS currently has 49 libraries and more than 700,000 cardholders. In 2017, KCLS welcomed more than 10 million visitors, and King County residents checked out nearly 21 million items, including more than 4.7 million digital eBooks and audiobooks.
