Colorado State University-Pueblo’s library renovation project is on schedule and within its budget. The library will re-open its doors spring of 2011.

With help from local construction company H.W. Huston, CSU-Pueblo is bringing new life to the library that will strive to meet Leadership, Energy, Efficiency and Design standards.

John Barnosky, director of planning and construction at CSU-Pueblo, explained that by meeting LEED standards, the building will be more easily controlled operationally as well as the comfort for people who use the physicality will be well maintained.

“Because the library will meet LEED standards, the building will have better views due to replacing glass for certain walls and have a better handle on maintaining the interior that will help with utility costs,” he said.

The design of the building must help maintain the air quality by allowing natural sunlight and daylight views, which will help with acoustics. Employees and patrons who use the building must be educated on how to best use the green features of the building to help maintain the effective state of efficiency.

LEED standards are a series of guidelines that will require the building to use energy efficient strategies like proper lighting, efficient appliances and monitoring systems that will help keep track of usage.

According to the LEED Web site, LEED has three levels of achievement that can be awarded: silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a certain point value that is required. Silver is 50 plus points, gold is 60 plus points and platinum is 80 plus points. Points are earned on how efficient the building meets each standard of LEED.

“We are at the gold level for LEED, but we are so close to the platinum level, which will make us the first renovated platinum building in the state,” said project manager Alain Dalmau.

Not only do LEED standards help environmentally, but they will allow a more modern layout to the library, with expansions and a more efficient use of space. Certain floors will be designated for studying only, with private rooms available for group projects and meetings. All new furniture will be coming in with the concrete paneled walls coming out.

Rhonda Gonzales, dean of the library, said that the new layout will allow students to better use the facility.

“The library will have wireless Internet throughout the building, as well as a new coffee shop that will have more of a ‘Starbucks’ feeling,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also said new carpet will be installed which will also meet LEED standards. It will consist of all recycled materials. More classrooms will be added to the second floor. The First Year Program, Student Academic help desk and Career Center will all claim a space in the newly remodeled building.

General construction began a few weeks ago, said Dalmau, and the company will start to remove concrete soon. Employees and staff should be moved back into the new building by the end of the spring 2011 semester.