GREEN LEARNING STATION EDUCATION CENTER
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Client: Civic Garden Center
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Size: 0.5 acre
LEED Certification level : LEED Platinum
The intent of this project is to provide a visible example of this new environmental stewardship technology, by encouraging energy conservation with the building and advanced storm water management and treatment techniques with the roof and the adjacent parking lot. M+A worked in collaboration with Glaserworks Architects, Jacobs / Ryan Associates, Intrinsic, HAWA, THP Limited, NSI, AND Land Consultants. This project has to date received three design awards.
This design is targeted to achieve LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The design incorporates a plethora of sustainable elements including alternative energy systems, storm water systems and to high efficiency LED site lighting. This green facility would also be linked to a website that would broadcast live green technology information about energy creation and usage, water usage and moisture content in the gardens, along with standard temperature and wind speed information. A webcam would also allow anyone from around the world to get a live look at the site and to see what educational events are taking place.
The Green Learning Station Showcases numerous sustainable practices. The storm water management system includes green roofs, rain collection cisterns, permeable pavement, rain gardens, bioswales, and grey water reclamation system for irrigation.
The sanitary treatment system includes a digester which then pumps filtered water into the constructed wetland where biological processes remove pollutants and other contaminants and water is further treated and sanitized. This grey water is reclaimed and used to irrigate the site and to flush toilets in the Green Learning Station.
Alternative energy systems include photo-voltaic solar panels, a solar collector, wind turbine, and geothermal HVAC. All of these systems utilize the physical properties of the earth to reduce the site’s impact on the environment and reduce energy consumption from “the grid.”