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City Council Minutes March 13, 2006 . 5.7. 5.7.A. . . Page 5 Library Project LEED Certification Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz stated that the Energy City Commission made a recommendation at their February 22, 2006 meeting to have the proposed new library be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. Mr. Maertz stated that there are four levels of LEED certification and explained that in order to qualify for LEED certification, points must be obtained in several areas including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. Mr. Maertz indicated that the additional costs associated with obtaining LEED certification are estimated to be between 5%-12%. He also indicated that the energy savings could be up to 50%. Mr. Maertz noted that the Library Board met and also recommended that the city pursue LEED certification for the library project and that if the Council concurs, staff would like direction on which level of certification to pursue. Councilmember Dietz questioned if the city seeks the platinum certification, if the cost would be the 12%. Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug indicated that the additional cost associated with pursuing LEED certification is based on the products used and not the certification sought. Ms. Haug noted that the Energy City Commission feels that because Elk River is Energy City, the city should be setting an example with their buildings. Mr. Maertz indicated that costs could be offset by using landfill abatement funds and obtaining grants if recycled products are used. Mayor Klinzing stated that she believes that the library project would be a great way to provide an example of what can be achieved by being energy efficient and using recycled products. She noted that the School District has experienced greater energy savings on the schools with LEED certification than what they had projected. Councilmember Motin indicated that he is concerned that with the additional up front cost, that the city will not see the energy savings as projected. He noted that the city did not experience the energy savings with the Geothermal system at the Public Safety Building as projected. City Administrator Lori Johnson explained that initial problems with the Geothermal system prevented the city from experiencing energy savings but the system is now energy efficient since it is functioning properly J ennifer Anderson-Tuttle, KKE Architects - stated that as part of the LEED certification process, schematic designs and energy modeling is done which projects actual savings. She stated that the Council would then be provided with project strategies and cost estimates to make their decision. Councilmember Motin questioned if there would be a display at the library explaining the energy efficiency. Ms. Johnson indicated that an educational component would be required if landfill abatement funds are used and that it is also a requirement of the LEED certification. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ AND SECONDED BY MAYOR KLINZING TO PURSUE THE PLATINUM LEED CERTIFICATION FOR THE LIBRARY PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.