Colorado nature library draws on nature itself to power campus

A library dedicated to helping people connect with nature is now drawing on nature itself to help power its mission. Namaste Solar has completed a rooftop solar installation at Anythink Nature Library, Colorado’s first public nature library, operated by Rangeview Library District.

The 203.5-kW system is expected to generate about half of the facility’s electricity. By helping lower the building’s ongoing energy expenses, the solar project helps preserve resources that advance the library’s mission of environmental education, community experiences and lifelong learning.

Located on a 15-acre campus that is part of the 140-acre Aylor Open Lands, the library was designed with an integrated sustainability strategy that includes geothermal heating and cooling, water conservation measures and rooftop solar. Solar is a key part of that strategy, generating renewable electricity on-site to help earn energy and atmosphere credits as part of the building’s pursuit of LEED Gold certification.

“Anythink Nature Library was envisioned as a place where people can deepen their connection with the natural world, so it was important that the building reflected those values,” said Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries. “Solar was a natural extension of that vision. We wanted a Colorado partner with proven experience delivering complex public projects. Having partnered with Namaste Solar on previous library projects, we knew they had the technical expertise and take a collaborative approach.”

The solar installation is expected to save Rangeview Library District more than $1 million over its lifetime through lower utility costs and federal clean energy incentives. By reducing long-term energy expenses, the project gives the district greater budget certainty while allowing more resources to expand environmental education and community programming.

“Projects like Anythink Nature Library show how nonprofit organizations and municipalities can use solar as a long-term strategy to lower operating costs, create more predictable energy budgets and preserve more resources for the programs and services that matter most to their communities,” said Rachel Mountain, co-owner and director of commercial sales at Namaste Solar. “With our financing options and the safe-harbored tax incentives we’ve secured, many organizations can reduce or even eliminate upfront costs while creating long-term financial value.”

News item from Namaste Solar