The IFLA Green Library Award 2021 (Since 2016)
Priscilla Pun
Head of Technical Process Unit, University Library, University of Macau
E-mail: nipun@um.edu.mo
The ENSULIB Open Session titled Green Libraries and Sustainable Practices for the Long-Term Future was successfully held at the virtual IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2021 on 19 August this year. During this international annual event, the winner and runners-up of the Award 2020 presented their submissions, and the winners of the IFLA Green Library Award 2021 were announced. The annual IFLA Green Library Award was initiated by ENSULIB in 2016 with the support of IFLA, to reward the best green library submissions that communicate the library’s commitment to the environment, society, and sustainability locally and worldwide. Since its establishment in 2016, more than 200 submissions have been received from all around the world. An international review committee consisting of about 30 members of library professionals, LIS graduate students and architects has been formed each year to evaluate the submissions.
From 2021, the Award was divided into two categories, namely the Best Green Library (Category 1) and the Best Green Library Project (Category 2). Category 1 emphasizes environmental and sustainable work concerning the whole library, while Category 2 specifies one or more areas of library operations or projects that are significant in advancing environmental and sustainable goals, at least locally. The ENSULIB 2021-2023 Action Plan includes further developing and refining the two new categories for the Award. In 2021, a Special Recognition for the submission of great, low-cost accomplishments was introduced in an attempt to appreciate and encourage libraries delivering excellent initiatives with limited or small budget.
The IFLA Green Library Award 2022 is coming soon. You are welcome to submit proposals to ENSULIB.
Category 1 IFLA Green Library Award Winner 2021
Canada, Edmonton, The Edmonton Public Library—“Edmonton Public Library”
The Edmonton Public Library is committed to sustainable development and providing facilities that have strong design emphasis on human and environmental health, proven by one-third of EPL libraries achieving LEED status. Over the past 13 years EPL has built 8 LEED certified libraries with EPL’s flagship, Stanley A. Milner Library (over 225,000 square feet), the 9th LEED project once certified. Its vision and commitment is to continue the green path and seek LEED certification for all new library buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
Category 2 IFLA Green Library Project Award Winner 2021
Finland Oulu, Oulu City Library— “A Responsible Library as Promoter of Environmental Awareness” (see page 33)
Special Recognition
Cuba, Santa Clara, V.C., Asociación Cubana de Bibliotecarios, Villa Clara Branch—“BiblioVerde, a space to share and learn in harmony with nature”
The Biblioverde project provides a space developed by the Cuban Association of Librarians, Villa Clara Branch, where the community, can acquire general information, skills, and knowledge about horticulture and sustainable gardening through talks, workshops, and conversations. The meetings are held monthly. They provide information on plants’ care, ways of cultivation, ideas and design suggestions for gardening (external or in pots) and the construction of gardens at home. The space contributes to reinforcing the library’s performance in several Sustainable Development Goals.
