The Beitou Branch of Taipei Public Library

This local public library in Beitou is a point of interest among locals and tourists alike for it is the very first building in Taiwan qualified for a diamond level under the EEWH (ecology, energy saving, waste reduction and health) certification system. Aimed at mitigating the impact of buildings on the natural environment through sustainable design, EEWH is the Taiwanese version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system in the United States. Green buildings like Beitou Branch of Taipei Public Library focus on minimizing pollution and the harm they do to the natural environment by using recycled materials and being water and energy efficient.

To reduce the overall impact of the built-up environment on the natural environment, the architects put the best practices into reality, both creative and environmentally friendly. First of all, the library is built out of wood instead of concrete as every wood substitute — including cement and steel — requires far more energy to produce than lumber. Even the woods used during the construction were from managed forests rather than primary rainforests. Secondly, sunlight plays a major role in green design, so the good and large windows are essential for an energy-efficient building like Beitou Branch of Taipei Public Library. With well-designed openings, the library itself can be naturally lit and cooled without consuming much energy. Thirdly, much of the roof is coated with photovoltaic cells that are used to convert sunlight into electricity, while some part of the roof is covered with a 20-centimeter-thick layer of soil to improve the thermal insulation. Last but not least, the slope on the roof allows rapid runoff of rainfall to be collected and used for flushing later.

Beitou Branch of Taipei Public Library is merely a few minutes’ walk from Xinbeitou MRT Station and can be easily reached by 14 different buses. Hot springs are no doubt a big draw in Beitou, but next time, be sure to swing by this green library and learn how to coexist with Mother Nature in this blessed urban oasis.

Notice:

Closed on the first Thursday of each month.