Buildings

The City of Riverside owns a wide range of facilities that include a city hall, libraries, community centers, fire stations, and much more. Part of managing a wide range portfolio includes the efficient operations that looks towards decarbonization and “greening” buildings. To ‘green’ buildings, the city leverages LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, Green Building Standards, and retrofits that yield energy reductions and savings. Ongoing efforts to support the Green Initiatives include a commitment to the replacement and retrofitting HPS, fluorescent, and Incandescent type fixtures with LED fixtures and lamps when they have reached their lifecycle capacity.  In addition, solar arrays have been installed to offset energy consumption at City Hall, Marcy Library, Casa Blanca Library, Casa Blanca Customer Resource Center, and the Utility Operations Center. 

Orange Terrace Library 

The Orange Terrace Branch is the City's first 'green' library. The LEED certification was made possible by a $3 million contribution from Riverside's Public Utilities Public Benefits Fund. Sustainable features were integrated throughout the project, inspired by the four themes of earth, wind, fire, and water.  Elements such as ventilation towers, large overhangs, and green roofs were designed as highly visible and functional features of the facility to communicate the principles and benefits of sustainable design. The building shapes and low forms are influenced by necessary circulation, solar orientation, prevailing breezes, and views. The Orange Terrace Library serves as a highly sustainable role model for community libraries to follow.