Dexter Library

There is a library nestled under a foot of snow in Northern Wisconsin that hasn’t turned on its heater yet this winter. Northland’s Dexter library, formerly an inefficient, power-hungry building, was renovated in 2008 and is now a sleek example of what you can build with a little environmental awareness. The library, complete with a coffee shop, public computers, and (of course) lots of books, is primarily heated by 30 geothermal wells extending 230’ into the earth producing plenty of heat, and no carbon dioxide.

To receive a Gold level certification on the U.S. Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, a process still underway, the renovators had to control not just what they built, but what they threw away. 75% of the construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfills. These materials were either recycled or reused, reducing the burden on landfills and the demand for virgin resources.

On the outside, native plants filter and slow storm water runoff while carefully installed lights produce less light pollution, consistent with Northland’s student led Dark Skies Initiative. On the inside, occupancy sensors and skylights reduce artificial light usage while low-flow water fixtures ease the strain on Ashland’s municipal water supply and waste water systems.

Sustainability Sites

• Onsite storm water management reduces the impacts of storm water runoff (quantity and quality) from the roof. This
• is achieved through a bio-swale landscaped with native plants.
• Minimal exterior and site lighting reduces light pollution and improves night sky access.
• Nearby shower facilities and bike racks promote alternative transportation.
• Designated carpool parking limits availability of parking as a means of encouraging ridesharing to and from the library.

Materials & Resources

• 2,475 square yards of new carpet that is 35%-38% Pre-Consumer/Post-Industrial, and 33% Post Consumer.
• Designated recycling areas serve the library for the collection and storage of paper, glass and plastic and metals.
• 50% of new wood-based products and materials are FSC-certified.
• 30% of the Furniture and Furnishings were reused and/or
  refurbished.
• 20% of building materials manufactured within 500 miles thereby supporting the regional economy and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from excessive transportation.
• 75% of construction and demolition waste diverted from landfill. These materials were either recycled or reused, reducing the bur- den on landfills and the demand for virgin resources.

Energy & Atmosphere

• The library is equipped with a 14kW Photovoltaic Solar Array on the roof to produce energy for the building. Real time and historical date for the array can be viewed online at:
• 30 geothermal wells extend 230' into the earth south of the library reducing energy and operating cost and produce no carbon dioxide.
• 48 occupant light sensors save energy and reduce electricity bills by turning lights off when not in use.
• 500sf of new window area including a skylight increases natural day-lighting and reduce the need of artificial lighting.
• Increased roof insulation increases energy efficiency.
• Electricity for Dexter Library and Northland College is generated from the burning of waste wood in the form of sawdust, wood ships and tree bark.

Water Efficiency

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce the burden on municipal water supply and waste water systems. 

Indoor Environmental Quality

• An established indoor air quality (IAQ) management plan reduces indoor air quality problems resulting from the construction/renovation process, to sustain long-term occupant comfort and well-being.
• Extensive use of materials low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduces the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritating and/or harmful to the well being of occupants.