Recognized for Sustainable, Environmentally-Responsible Design

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill has earned a Silver LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for Richmond Hill Public Library’s Oak Ridges branch. This designation recognizes the building’s sustainable design features, materials selection, water and energy efficiency and reduction in energy consumption.

This achievement further demonstrates Council’s commitment to balancing growth and green in our city and meets the City’s requirements of incorporating environmentally-responsible design in the construction of new facilities.

Designed by architect firm Perkins and Will, Oak Ridges Library features key sustainable elements that contribute to the Silver LEED^® certification, including:

• 26 per cent reduction in energy consumption
• 82 per cent of construction waste diverted from landfill (on average, 35 per cent of landfill waste comes from construction)
• 30 per cent of recycled content used in the construction of the building
• 37 per cent reduction in use of potable (drinkable) water thanks to low flow fixtures
• 80 per cent of all wood used in the Library construction is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified to encourage environmentally-responsible forest management 

In addition, the linear design of the Library mirrors the natural beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the roof is designed to reduce Heat Island effect (where closely packed buildings and paved surfaces amplify and trap heat), contributing to the mitigation of climate change effects.

Residents are invited to join Ward 1 Councillor and Richmond Hill Public Library Board Chair Greg Beros on a virtual tour of the Oak Ridges Library’s LEED^® features and experience its innovative design and natural features. In-person tours can be booked by calling 905-773-5533 once the branch can safely reopen. For more information on available library services in person and online, visit rhpl.ca/reopening.

QUICK FACTS

• Oak Ridges Library is the newest Richmond Hill Public Library location. It is a fully modern library that contains a MakerSpace, Tween Zone, green roof, children’s play structures and more.
• The two-storey, 19,000 sq. ft. library opened to the public in November 2019. It is a civic landmark, reflecting the natural elements and local history of the community.
• Other Richmond Hill facilities using sustainable design include: Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre, David Hamilton Park and Oak Ridges Community Centre achieved LEED^®  Silver certification; the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, George Forster House and Eyer Homestead which are equipped with geothermal ground sourced heat pumps; and Bond Lake Arena, Elgin West Community Centre and Pool and Centennial pool which are equipped with solar water heaters.

QUOTES

“Balancing growth and green in our community is a Council priority and I am thrilled that we have opened yet another City facility that is contributing to the mitigation of climate change through its design and construction. With its state-of-the-art features, the library is a modern addition to our libraries where our residents and their families can learn, read and connect with the community.”

–     Joe DiPaola, Acting Mayor

“Oak Ridges Library’s Silver LEED^® certification shows our commitment to building a sustainable community through conserving natural resources and thoughtfully planning the build and design of our spaces. Striking a great balance of design and function, library board and staff are proud to provide our community with a modern hub that pays tribute to the deep forests and river valleys of the Oak Ridges Moraine.”

–     Greg Beros, Ward 1 Councillor and Richmond Hill Public Library Board Chair

MEDIA CONTACTS

Lynn Chan
Communications Advisor
City of Richmond Hill
lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca

Annesha Hutchinson
Manager, Communications
Richmond Hill Public Library
ahutchinson@rhpl.ca or 416-991-2799