Alexis Gunderson

(301) 699-3500 x6158

alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is pleased to announce that the Bladensburg Branch Library building has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC).

LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and is recognized internationally as a symbol of excellence in sustainable design. As the first PGCMLS structure to be awarded LEED certification, the Bladensburg Branch Library stands as an anchor in the Bladensburg community.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we celebrate the LEED Gold Certification for the Bladensburg Branch Library,” says Dr. Mark Winston, Chief Executive Officer of PGCMLS. “This recognition highlights our commitment to the economic resilience and community well-being of Prince George’s County, as we prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency among the 19 branches in the library system.”

Designed by Gant Brunnett Architects and opened in 2023, the two-story Bladensburg Branch Library building incorporates architectural references to the nearby historic Bladensburg Waterfront. It boasts solar panels on its roof; energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems and low-emissions materials inside the building; permeable pavers and electric car charging stations in its parking lot; and a dedicated public bus shelter directly outside the branch’s front doors — all features which contributed to the branch’s final Gold-level LEED score. 

Green buildings like the Bladensburg Branch Library allow organizations like PGCMLS to operate more sustainably, to spend less on energy consumption, and to give those who use the building a healthier, more comfortable space to gather. Through design, construction, and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings also help to make communities like Prince George’s County more sustainable.

To discuss coverage opportunities, contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.

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About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.

About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® green building program is the world’s most widely used and was created as a leadership standard defining best practices for healthy, high-performing green buildings. Learn more at usgbc.org/LEED.

USGBC® and the related logo are trademarks owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and are used with permission.