Site Selection

- 80% of the land being developed for the new Discovery Center has been previously developed; therefore, little natural area is disturbed.

Site Development

- Construction practices are planned to minimally impact natural areas and provide extra protection against storm water and contaminant runoff.

Building Materials

- The new Discovery Center will incorporate many recycled building materials including countertops made from recycled plastics, wood panels made from reused sorghum pulp and floors that incorporate fly ash which is a byproduct of coal burning power plants.

Education

- Using educational exhibits and displays, CNC will help visitors learn how to incorporate LEED standards into their homes.

Promoting Green Transportation

- CNC promotes green transportation by providing areas to safely park bicycles and by offering reserved parking for carpooling visitors.

Reducing Light Pollution

- To combat light pollution, parking area lights will only be used when needed and feature full cutoff when they aren’t.

Water Efficiency

- Rainwater will be collected in a large cistern that will provide water for low flow, duel flush toilets. Restrooms will have low flow faucets and the men’s room will feature waterless urinals!

Water Efficient Gardens

- Landscaping is designed to reduce potable water use and eliminates the need for an in-ground irrigation system.

Interior Decorating

- From the paint on the walls to the carpet on the floors, interior spaces will be decorated with low VOC (volatile organic compound) emitting materials.

Fresh Air

- HVAC design allows for increased ventilation of outside air.

See the Light

- Skylights will bring free, natural light into the new Discovery Center and innovative lighting design will automatically adjust interior illumination for bright or cloudy days.

Site Views

- Visitors and staff will be treated to spectacular views from 90% of the building.