Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA

By Manal Bozarth and Mary Jane Rumbley

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is located at 1601 16^th Street in Newport Beach, CA.  The ENC is a 3.5 acre nature center with a 9000 sq ft interpretive center that provides quality education through hands-on experience with nature.   ENC’s interpretive center was awarded the first LEED Platinum building certification in Orange County in December 2008 shortly after it opened.[1] 

Photo courtesy of Costea Photography, Inc

The site was designed by the sustainable design experts and architects at LPA, Inc.  The LPA experts implemented the design concepts that made it possible for the ENC to achieve the LEED Platinum rating.  They made the most of the site location and natural resources.  [2]

Everyone who visits the ENC learns about the benefits of environmentally-conscious design through the application of new technologies. These include powering the building from renewable resources such as solar panels and the implementation of green design strategies which provide a healthier indoor environment.  The minute you enter the center’s lobby you feel the calm and pleasant environment that has been created through the use of these techniques.

This is truly an amazing place.  Most of the ENC’s systems were created to work with and use site’s natural recourses.  For example, some of the sustainable features at the ENC include

• Optimized building orientation – The east/west orientation captures sun and sea breezes;
• Bicycle storage and shower facilities;
• Drought tolerant, indigenous landscape;
•  Fixtures that promote water conservation - such as waterless urinals and low-flow faucets; and
•  Efficient storm water management and daylight harvesting.

In addition, photovoltaic roof panels convert sun light into power and provide for 100 percent of the building's power needs making the ENC a "net zero" building, a new model for sustainability. [3]

Guests enjoy natural ventilation without the use of heating and/or air conditioning.  There are dimming systems and occupancy sensors that control lighting systems.  And of course the center has an aggressive Sustainable Education program for all ages of visitors.  And finally, the center uses green housekeeping techniques and products.

The extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials in the ENC interpretive center building includes: insulation made of recycled blue jeans; countertops of- 100% organic and recyclable material; recycled

material carpeting, building siding and fences, epoxy finished cement floors and paint.  The following is a list of these features, and the manufacturers and suppliers used in the building. 

Renewable Energy Systems: 
The ENC’s system is a no emissions system composed of solar panels and a wind turbine backup system. Perhaps the greatest benefits of solar lighting are the environmental benefits. Solar lighting does not contribute to global warming in any way.  All electrical needs are supplied by solar panels that are attached to the roof of the building and a wind turbine that is powered by the coastal breezes. 

1. Potovoltiaic Panels – Sharp Corporation Inverter – SMA, SB600U!

2. Wind Turbine: Seahawk Vertical axis wind turbine by Pac Wind, Inc. – 500 W capacities and is tied to the power grid.  It provides additional electric and has a battery backup system.

Photo courtesy of Costea Photography, Inc

Water Conservation:

3. Dual-Flush Toilet: Caroma USA, Caravelle 270 Elongated ( WWW.caromausa.com) Ultra Low-Flow Lavatory: Delta 501 Classic with RP31704

Renewable Building Materials

4. Natural Denim Insulation: Bonded Logic, Ultra Touch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation (www. Bondedlogic.com)
5. Recycled Material Carpeting: Shaw Contract Group, Malang Moder Mace Carpet Tiles (www. Shaw contract group.com)
6. Renewable Cabinet Materials: 

1. Cabinet fronts and tops – Dakota Burl, produced from sunflower and other agricultural products.  Manufactured by Environ Biorcomposits.
2. Cabinet shelving and interiors – BIOFIBER Wheat, produced from wheat straw. Also manufactured by Environ Biocomposites
3. Counter tops in classrooms – Forbo, Marmoleum (www.themarmoleumstore.com)
4. Work surfaces and conference table in Staff Offices, Glacier Green MDF by Plum Creek

7. Building Siding and Fences: Trex Accents decking material (www.trex.com)

Paints and Finishes

8. Epoxy Finish on Cement Floors:  Epmar Corporation, Sta-Cret 2900 Deries, High Gloss Epoxy Coating ( www.epmar.com)
9. Paint: Frazee Industries, LO-GLO Interior Acrylic Enamel and other finishes 
   
   Window Systems
10. Pella Architectural, Green InsulShield Glass, dual-pane aluminum frames windows with Low –E glass (web.pella.com)   
    
     Photo courtesy of Costea Photography, Inc
    Green-e Certified Power: The ENC purchases Carbon Offsets from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to replace traditional polluting sources of electricity with clean, secure, and renewable sources of energy that come from solar and wind power.
    Overall this project is a model in the community showcasing responsible environmental practices and the marriage of sustainability and good design principals in creating a dynamic and organic architectural statement.  The ENC is a “must see” for anyone with an interest in the future of our planet and is an excellent example of what sustainable design principles can achieve. 

  

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[1] http://www.gatalinka.com/Environmental_Nature_Center.html
[2] http://www.lpainc.com/

[3] http://www.airah.org.au/imis15_prod/Content_Files/EcoLibrium/2011/December%202011/2011_12_F03.pdf