Building Environmental Stewardship
The goal of an environmental learning center seems obvious: to teach visitors about the natural world. But what if the building was a threat to the very habitats we want to study?
Harvesting raw materials and constructing a building are tasks using considerable energy and resources. These processes also create air and water pollution. Choosing sustainable building methods protects the environment by reducing resource consumption and energy needs. The McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center building demonstrates many of these sustainable or "green" building practices.
What makes the building green?
Energy efficient heating and cooling systems
Recycled building materials from post–consumer waste
Minimal storm water runoff with less impact on nearby water resources
Building materials that improve indoor air quality
