Cedar Rapids library earns LEED Platinum rating

CEDAR RAPIDS - The downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library, which opened in August 2013 to replace the library damaged in the Flood of 2008, has earned the top LEED Platinum Certification.

The library celebrated the achievement from Leadership in Energy and Environment in a ceremony Wednesday as part of an Earth Day event.

The $46 million project, which was funded by federal disaster funds, state I-JOBS money, revenue from the local-option sales tax and private donations, was designed and built with an assortment of energy-saving and cost-saving features.

The 'green” features include a geothermal heating and cooling system; insulated glass; wide use of natural light; stormwater management; pervious pavement; and a green roof with a rainwater harvesting system.