The Library of Congress

Located on Independence Avenue, the Library of Congress (LOC) is the oldest federal cultural institution in the U.S. The library features more than 165 million items, including more than 38 million books and other historical collections including comics, cartography, presidential papers, music and telephone directories. 

With a vast array of printed, visual and audio materials of the country visited by an average of two million patrons and tourists a year, it’s critical to keep the library running efficiently and cost-effectively. Partnering with the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Jacobs served as contractual Construction Manager for the Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), delivering comprehensive energy and water savings for the Library and AOC facilities in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. 

Through this innovative project, Jacobs managed the project which provided for an estimated first-year annual savings of $4.06 million for the Library and AOC.

The implementation of this sustainable and groundbreaking project lead to a significant reduction in emissions and environmental impact including reducing CO2 emissions by 20,894,485 pounds per year and saving the equivalent to 16,814 acres of average U.S. forests. 

Some highlights of this project include:

• Upgrading pneumatic controls to Direct Digital Control (DDC) and integrating into AOC’s Building Automation System (BASnet).
• Improving HVAC system controllability with new DDC components.
• Enhancing occupant comfort through HVAC upgrades.
• Improving lighting quality and control with the latest light-emitting diode (LED) and controls technology.
• Improving steam trap maintenance program.
• Making progress toward energy and water reduction goals including reducing energy output by 22% and water intensity by 25%.
• The project received over $900k utility rebates from the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).

The Library of Congress’ mission is to, ‘Engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.’ With the ESPC, Jacobs and the AOC have been able to ensure this mission continues. By creating a more energy and water efficient library, we can protect its collections and patrons into the future.