Muscatine library one of ‘greenest buildings in the world’

The Living Building Challenge is the world’s most rigorous proven-performance standard for buildings. To achieve certification, Living Buildings must generate all of their own energy and be self-sufficient, create a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them, and connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community. In short, a Living Building is one that gives more than it takes.

Going Green in Muscatine

For decades, the former Musser Public Library building at 304 Iowa Avenue served Muscatine residents as a hub of learning. The Stanley Center has invested more than $14 million in the community by acquiring, renovating, and transforming the space into one of the most environmentally-friendly and ecologically-sustainable buildings in the world to serve as our new home.

The center’s new permanent home includes space dedicated to our programming in Muscatine and provides opportunities to synergize with local resources such as the Musser Library, Muscatine School District, Muscatine Art Center, and international visitor programs. The renovated building models green practices in Iowa, and raises awareness about the need for collective action on global challenges like climate change.

Building from Our Values

In late 2019, Stanley Center staff and governance members began a collaborative process of describing our ideal workplace. We knew we wanted a home that offers the chance to live and share our core values and demonstrate our commitments to mitigating climate change and building just and equitable communities within society. We also knew we wanted to remain in Muscatine for the outside vantage point it provides in the global policy space and to continue the Stanley family’s commitment to local programming that helps our fellow Iowans grow as involved, educated global citizens. This is the foundation we have built upon and guides the inclusive environment that furthers our mission at home and around the world.

Living Building Challenge

As construction came to completion in early 2023, the Stanley Center’s new home is anticipated to be one of the greenest buildings in the world. With guidance from Neumann Monson Architects, we are aiming for it to become the first such structure in the state of Iowa to be fully certified as a Living Building.

We hope that our commitment to the LBC will inspire and educate others to prioritize sustainability and well-being in their workplace design. Learn more about the Living Building Challenge and the seven different performance areas of the certification: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty.

Tour the Building

Public tours of the Stanley Center building are available on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Private tours are also available by appointment.

Courtesy of https://stanleycenter.org/livingbuilding/

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