In a paved world of concrete, asphalt and storm drains, pollutants like trash, oil,  pesticides, fertilizers, and other household and yard chemicals easily find their way into streams and community water sources.This building lessens the impact in a variety of ways to make streams healthier and cleaner, while also recharging the groundwater supply levels, and reducing flood damage.

• The permeable parking lot utilizes a plastic grid/sand/gravel system and filters latex tire rubber, oil, antifreeze, and other liquids leaked from cars.Water that normally is diverted to storm drains is allowed to seep back into the ground.

• The green roof consists of layers of plastic sheeting, fabrics, and soil.This roof also decreases water runoff by acting like a sponge, absorbing nearly one million gallons of water each year that would normally end up as runoff in Shoal Creek.

Water Conservation

Ninety percent of the local community's water needs comes from Shoal Creek, while 10% comes from underground. Simple technologies and changing habits can have a big impact on this resource.

• Waterless urinals and staff commode reduce our overall water and energy needs. No more flushing!

• Motion activated faucets with a spray head instead of a solid stream decreases the amount of water used.

• Compact flash heaters eliminate the need for tank heaters. Gone are the days of wasting water and energy waiting for it to heat up!

Recycling and Building Materials

Resources are needed to live-- food, water, shelter, and energy, but as the human population on Earth grows, and more resources are needed, the impact on the planet increases. Recycling is one way to reduce this impact and the need for new materials by re-using discarded materials in innovative new ways.

• Recycled plastic milk jugs were made into carpet tiles and the plastic lumber for the glade overlook deck.

• Many of the trails are surfaced with reused asphalt millings from area roads and include 6% pulverized, recycled glass.

The paints, stains and varnishes in the building are water based and contain low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-- so less chemical air pollutants indoors. No "new building" smell!

Non-renewable energy resources like coal, oil and natural gas, release harmful contaminants and contribute to air pollution which accelerate climate change.The less energy generated from these sources, the cleaner the environment becomes.

• The geothermal heating and cooling system uses constant 58 degree underground temperature to heat and cool the building.

• The green roof acts as a thermal blanket, insulating the building from extreme heat and cold. Planted with native glade and prairie plants like little bluestem and buffalo grass, cacti and coreopsis, it is beneficial for wildlife too! The green roof utilizes 8" thick structural insulated panels.These panels, coupled with double paned windows, shotcrete exterior, cardboard insulation and below soil grade construction all contribute to an insulating "R-Factor" of 25-30. A typical home may have an insulation factor of 10-12.