Whatsustainablefeatures.PDF

Built in 2010, the Environmental Education Center W h a t s u s t a i n a b l e f e a t u r e s (EEC) is one of the City of Plano’s irst green buildings and is certiied LEED Platinum by the U.S. m a k e t h e E E C g r e e n i n s i d e ? Green Building Council. The design incorporates many sustainable features: Architectural site orientation and layout plan for maximum energy eiciency with roof overhangs, east-west orientation and shade. Use of recycled/renewable/nontoxic materials such as low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint and adhesives, reclaimed wood and compressed recycled paper counters, recycled glass terrazzo looring and ly ash concrete. Energy eicient and renewable energy H A R N E S S I N G S U N A N D W I N D technologies with solar panels, natural daylighting, photovoltaics, wind turbine and A 54-panel photovoltaic array generates an living green roof. estimated 17,909 kWh per year, while a 60-foot wind turbine produces 3,000 kWh per year. Water conservation through rainwater Clean and renewable, these energy sources provide harvesting, greywater recycling, low-low water about 30 percent of the EEC’s electricity needs. system and eicient irrigation methods. Thermal heat is the primary energy source for the Educational opportunities through interpretive building’s hot water. A single thermal solar panel installe