The Information Professional

By Rebekkah Smith Aldrich:

"The library caught the attention of the UN’s Sustainability Initiative, The Future We Want/Rio+20, for its commitment to investing in a new library facility with the goal of attaining near net-zero energy usage.
Net-zero has been defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as a building that produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Net-zero energy buildings are very energy efficient. The remaining low-energy needs are typically met with onsite renewable energy.
This small rural library, with an operating budget of just over $70,000, has been saving for years to address its space issues. With just 750 square feet, the library is serving its community in a facility less than one-quarter of the size necessary."