The new interpretive facility, located on the Niagara Escarpment, will serve as a public entry point to the 20 Valley World Biosphere Reserve; featuring exhibits, displays and learning centers. The building is designed as a teaching tool to demonstrate conservation initiatives through design features and day-to-day operation of the facility. This project has employed the principles of sustainable design as mandated by LEED® - and has achieved gold certification, 46 points.

Sustainable Design Features include: - 73% reduced energy consumption when measured against the energy performance described by the Model National Energy Code for Buildings&mdashamounting to approx. $28,431.00 per year in energy cost savings. This project received close to $60,000.00 in government grant money for energy efficient design initiatives. - Heating and cooling is provided for by a ground source heat exchanger. - Rainwater is collected from the roof and used for non-potable water activities. - Natural ventilation through operable windows for shoulder season or nighttime cooling  - Southerly oriented windows and large roof overhangs control heat gain during the summer and allow the low winter sun to penetrate deep into the building interior. - On site Bio Filtration waste water treatment.

Project Awards and Publications

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