Redmond Library Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

The new net-zero energy library is one of the most sustainable public libraries in the country.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of people moving through the soft, diffused light of a library interior, conveying a sense of tranquility and environmental consciousness.The Redmond Library's sustainable design and net-zero energy operations set a new standard for environmentally-conscious public spaces.Bend Today

The Redmond Library in Oregon has officially received LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of sustainability recognition, for its commitment to environmental design and energy efficiency. The library was built to operate as a net-zero energy building, powered entirely by on-site solar, and features numerous other green building elements that reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Why it matters

The Redmond Library's LEED Platinum achievement demonstrates the growing trend of public libraries prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in their new construction projects. As major community hubs, libraries have an opportunity to lead by example and inspire other public buildings to follow suit in reducing their environmental impact.

The details

The Redmond Library was designed to generate as much or more energy than it consumes through a rooftop solar array. Other sustainable features include water-efficient landscaping, LED lighting, and the use of recycled and locally-sourced building materials. The library's energy use and emissions are 34% lower than a typical building, and it has diverted over 80 million tons of waste from landfills.

  • The Redmond Library opened to the public in January 2025 after 23 months of construction.
  • The library received its LEED Platinum certification in April 2026.

The players

Deschutes Public Library

The public library system serving Deschutes County, Oregon, which includes the Redmond Library and is working to expand and improve libraries across the county.

Todd Dunkelberg

The Library Director of Deschutes Public Library.

Ann Malkin

The District Board President of Deschutes Public Library.

The Miller Hull Partnership

The architecture firm that designed the Redmond Library.

Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

The general contractor that built the Redmond Library.

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What they’re saying

“The sustainable design and construction of the Redmond Library makes it one of the most comprehensively high-performance public libraries in the country.”

— Todd Dunkelberg, Library Director

“Net-zero energy public libraries remain rare across the United States, making the Redmond Library one of a small number of public libraries designed to generate as much, or more, energy than they consume.”

— Ann Malkin, District Board President

What’s next

The Deschutes Public Library system is continuing its bond-funded expansion and improvement projects, including remodeling the Downtown Bend Library and constructing a new Central Library in Bend, which is scheduled to open on May 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Redmond Library's LEED Platinum certification demonstrates how public libraries can lead the way in sustainable building design and operations, serving as models for other community institutions to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.