The Library works towards developing more green solutions for our operations, building, and grounds to serve as better stewards of our shared environment.

• We choose environmentally sustainable options when possible for all major building projects
• We use permeable pavers instead of asphalt parking surfaces to reduce storm water runoff
• We use a natural gas snow-melt system on our concrete surfaces to evaporate and reduce ice and snow accumulation
• We hire LEED-certified architects to advise us on renovations and facility updates

To conserve resources and to promote reuse

• We use a hybrid vehicle to collect, transport, and deliver materials, to conduct outreach services, and to carpool staff to training and events.
• We recycle about 1,000 pounds of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, aluminum, and plastics per week.
• We recycle all fluorescent lamps which includes all of the glass, metal ends, inert gasses and powders in the lamps.
• We recycle all print cartridges.
• We send out-of-service computer hardware to companies that repurpose or, if necessary, recycle the computer components.
• We give withdrawn books to the Friends of the Wilmette Library or to Better World Books to sell or donate.
• We make scratch paper out of used paper, reuse binders, folders, envelopes, and double-side printed material.

To light the building

• We use LED light fixtures throughout the building.
• We update older fluorescent lighting to more energy efficient fixtures.

To heat and cool the building

• We maintain four geothermal wells to provide heating and cooling for a portion of our building. The wells circulate water that sheds heat into the earth in the summer, and pulls that same heat out of the earth in the winter.
• We use a digitally control heating and air conditioning system which uses outside air for cooling, reduces the temperature of hot water needed for heating, and allows for variable heating/cooling controls for weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• We use glass with heat reflective coating.
• We use white roofing materials to deflect exterior heat and promote cooling inside the building.

To clean the building

• We stipulate that our cleaning service use green products whenever possible.
• We use vinegar and water for daily cleaning, edible cleansers around food areas, and unbleached paper towels in washrooms.
• We use the truck-mount extraction method for cleaning carpets which uses biodegradable, non-toxic, non-allergenic cleaning agents, efficiently extracts ground-in material, and is gentle on carpet fibers resulting in longer-lasting carpeting.

To maintain the grounds

• We plant and maintain all-native trees, shrubs, and plants on our grounds.
• We use completely organic fertilizer/weed/pesticide compounds on all lawn and shrubs.
• We mulch the lawn with grass clippings to re-fortify the grass and reduce yard waste.
• We mulch shrubs and borders with wood chips to keep the soil cool, reduce evaporation, and lessen watering.
• We use a cordless leaf blower.
• We use liquid ice melt rather than salt on snow whenever possible.
• We provide recycling bins for glass, plastic and paper products both inside and outside the library building.

To furnish the building

• We refurbish or repurpose existing furnishings whenever appropriate.
• We purchase furniture made from recycled materials and/or with recyclable components by local companies when possible.
• We use low VOC paint products.
• We use carpet tile substantially made from recycled content that is recyclable and individually replaceable.
• We use recycled or sustainable products to update floor areas or counters and tabletops.

• We provide an electric vehicle charging charging station at no cost to users.
• We offer substantial space for bicycle parking to encourage biking to the library.
• We provide public water fountains that support refilling water bottles.
• We have an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Wilmette, Wilmette Park District, Wilmette Public School District 39, and the Township of New Trier to provide a Sustainability Coordinator to share knowledge and best practices across organizations, to advance research into sustainability practices, to coordinate education across the community, and to move our sustainability efforts forward.
• We partner with Go Green Wilmette to help promote environmental awareness, inspire people to take action, and create a more sustainable community.