LOVELAND - The recently-renovated Loveland Public Library has received LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to the City of Loveland.

The library's renovation first began in August 2010, following a 2006 recommendation that more space be added to the existing facility. In late 2011, the addition of 27,000 square feet and many new amenities was completed.

The project cost $8.1 million total, $2 million of which came from donations garnered by the nonprofit group Friends of The Loveland Public Library Foundation Inc.

Special attention was paid at the library to site development, water use, energy and materials use and indoor environment quality. Water fixtures were installed that reduce daily water consumption by 48 percent, and high-performance windows and lighting will reduce energy use by 23 percent.