LEED Certified Libraries of the County of Los Angeles Public Library

The County of Los Angeles is committed to greener spaces and environment. Explore each section to learn about the sustainable practices incorporated in our library buildings. In January 2007, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted rules to require that all new County buildings greater than 10,000 square feet and funded on or after February 15, 2007 be certified LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. Achieving LEED certification demonstrates the building project as truly “green.” The LEED rating system, administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, is designed to promote design and construction practices that reduce the building’s negative environmental impacts. LEED certification, which includes a rigorous third-party commissioning process, offers four certification levels for new construction and major renovation projects – Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Learn more about the LEED rating system on the U.S. Green Building Council website.

Manhattan Beach Library LEED Gold

Sustainable Sites

• Minimizes the "heat island" effect with light-colored paving and roofing
• Incentivizes carpools and low-emission vehicles through preferential parking
• Increases site permeability and on-site rainwater retention in order to recharge groundwater and reduce demand on municipal storm water treatment facilities.

Water Efficiency

• Consumes approximately 20% less water than conventionally-designed libraries of similar size through the use of low flush toilets and low flow urinals.

Energy & Atmosphere

• Harvests daylighting while reducing glare and solar heat gain with exterior roof and window, low e-glass, skylight, and automated interior window shades.
• Dimmable lighting fixtures maintain interior light at a consistent level.

Materials & Resources

• Uses materials and finishes with recycled content and minimal off-gassing throughout the interior and exterior of building.
• Employs sustainably harvested wood products

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Extensive natural light and views to pedestrian walkway and outdoor courtyard, connecting inside to outside
• Walk-off mats used to keep dirt and particles out of the building

LEED Libraries

Read more about the library's other LEED Buildings.