LEED green landscaping elements include prairie grasses and other native species that require little water and provides wildlife habitat. Permeable concrete allows rainwater to be absorbed on site. There are no gutters or down spouts, but water gardens collect water and negate the need for irrigation installation. Also a minimum number of trees were removed from the site during construction and no new parking areas were added. The library exceeded LEED requirements for use of regional materials and recycled content during renovation. Over 85 percent of construction detritus was recycled.

The library design allows a good deal of natural light into the building. There is extensive use of recycled construction materials; use of low-emission volatile organic compound paints, sealants and carpets for improved indoor air quality; geothermal heating and water; and energy conservation that uses 30 percent less energy than a non-LEED comparable size building. A light-colored roof reduces the building?EUR??,,????'?????<