Opening next spring, the $23 million
Center for Sustainable Landscapes
(CSL) at Phipps Conservatory will be one of the first to qualify for
LEED Platinum certification, SITES landscaping and a USBGC Living
Building.
"It's really exciting to show the world that we're leaders in the green
building movement," says Phipps Executive Director Richard Piacentini.
In order to meet standards for each of these certifications, the
building must include a long list of green and sustainable features,
says Piacentini. These features include net-zero energy and water,
natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting and reuse and a Photovoltaic
solar power system.
At 24,000 square feet, the CSL will serve as the Conservatory's administration, education and research facility and will be the final phase of its campus-wide greening project, which includes the completed LEED-certified visitors center and state of the art Tropical Forest Conservatory exhibit space. Piacentini says the building will showcase how we can live in harmony with the environment. The building's sleek design features numerous translucent windows to help minimize nighttime heating loss. A glass atrium will act as a thermal buffer, and its green roof will help insulate the building.
The project is using exclusively Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania-based crews, companies such as the
Massaro Corporation,
The Design Alliance Architects,
Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. and
Atlantic Engineering Services. Project partners with Phipps include local universities, the
Green Building Alliance and the
National Energy Technology Laboratory.
Since the project began last October, Phipps general contractor
Turner Construction
completed all underground utility and initial site work. Currently, the
team is laying concrete foundations, electric and site water lines. To
keep in compliance with its sustainability standards, a "red list" of
restricted items garners close attention, says Piacentini. Phipps is
presently inspecting suppliers to ensure that all products align with
their set standards.
Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Richard Piacentini and Liz Fetchin, Phipps Conservatory