Library's Green Building commitment

To reflect our faith

The care of creation is a central conviction in the planning for this building. Design, construction and operation strive to fulfill the responsibility we have as disciples of Jesus Christ to care for God's creation.

AMBS is committed to making the new library and campus center a high performance green building, registered with the U.S. Green Building Council to meet standards for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

prairie grasses

Examples of features selected to carry out this commitment include:

  • Triple-paned windows, efficient insulation and geothermal ground source heat pump.
  • Windows designed to bring in daylight and minimize use of electricity for lighting.
  • Sustainable building materials from the region.
  • "Rain gardens" to retain water runoff from the roof; restored prairie grasses on the campus.

As we carry out this commitment, we expect to achieve long-term benefits. Among these are reducing the use of natural resources; enhancing comfort, health and performance of all who use the building; and controlling operating costs.

rain garden

We hope present and future leaders of the Mennonite Church and other Christian traditions will catch a vision for the ways in which careful investment in sustainable building practices can demonstrate our love for God, maintain costs and reverse ecological damage.

AMBS has registered this project with the U.S. Green Building Council and is working toward LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED certification offers four ratings: platinum, gold, silver, and basic certification. AMBS is aiming for gold certification.

The AMBS project was the first theological library in the U.S. to be registered with the U.S. Green Building Council with intent to seek LEED certification, and the third academic library to be registered. It also was the first registered project in Michiana. A completed project close to Elkhart is the Collegiate Facility at Goshen College's Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center near Wolf Lake, Ind.