Sustainable
Design Merry
Lea Environmental Learning Center
Wolf Lake, Indiana
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED
Rating System™
Architects’
Rendering of the AcademicBuilding
at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Results of Computer Modeling
of Building Utility Cost
At present, this building is on track to
achieve a Platinum rating under the LEEDGreen
Building Rating SystemTM
established by the U.S. Green Building Council.Having participated in the charrette facilitated by the
Rocky Mountain Institute, Eta designed a mechanical system
based on ground source heat pump technology. Eta’s
innovative use of large paddle blade fans reduce the amount of
ductwork required in the building and, in conjunction with
operable skylights, completely “flush” the building with
fresh air when outside conditions permit. Eta’s
extensive computer energy modeling shows
that the building will yield annual
utility cost savings
of 60%
versus a building
constructed to current
industry standards, while
at the same time
providing the occupants with individual control
and operable windows.Eta
also incorporated a wind turbine
and solar photovoltaic cells in the design.As part of its mission to minimize the building’s
environmental impact, Eta - in concert with the design team -
designed a “rainwater catchment” system to save and store
rainwater on site, thereby minimizing any interruption of the
natural water flow on site.
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