San Jose - Green Library Building (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library)

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Initiated in 1999 and opened in August of 2003, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library was developed through a joint collaboration of the City of San Jose Redevelopment Agency and San Jose State University, and is jointly operated by the university and City of San Jose Libraries. Cost was shared by the State of California, the City of San José Redevelopment Authority, San José State University, by private fundraising and by PG&E Savings by Design.

The energy efficient technologies installed have an expected energy savings of 1,511,107 kWh reduction annually. The implemented glazing and lighting technologies reduced the cooling requirement of the building by 44% and heating by 31%. The Library uses 29.6% less energy than allowed by Title 24. Energy savings are achieved through:

  • Low-E glazing
  • Premium-efficiency variable frequency drives on fan motors and circulation pumps
  • Direct digital coil control with programmable electronic climate control mechanism
  • Blending of daylighting and advanced electrical lighting design to minimize lighting power density

The New King Library reflects both the civic importance of libraries and the need for energy efficiency in our civic buildings. Located a few blocks from light rail, the library offers residents, university students and faculty a collection of 1.5 million items.

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