Athletic Complex Green Design
Energy Efficiency
A reflective, white roof is an "Energy Star" roof designed to minimize the heat island effect of traditional roofs by reflecting radiant heat energy back into the atmosphere. The plants on the green roof absorb radiant energy so that it doesn't enter the building. In each room an occupancy sensor turns the lights off when people exit thus saving energy. The large number of windows in the athletic center harvest daylight while minimizing heat transfer. The cooling tower cools stored rainwater which then passes through a compressor much like a refrigerator to cool the building. The Athletic Complex has a high efficiency boiler (96% efficient) that heats the building and provides hot water for the sinks and showers so no hot water heater is needed. CO2 sensors in the gym control the amount of outside air being brought in by the ventilation system and thus save energy.
Water Efficiency
The green roof is planted with special grasses and sedum that absorb water, filter pollutants and reduce storm water runoff. The white roof is designed to capture rainwater and channel it into a 10,000 gallon tank where it is stored and used in the building’s cooling tower to reduce the use of city water. Low flow fixtures are found throughout the building in the showers, toilets and sinks. On the playing fields and north parking lot, the storm water runs off into large storage tanks under the fields where it is filtered before trickling slowly into the ground. Native plantings are being used around the Athletic Complex reducing the need to irrigate, saving water.
Materials and Resources
By using local materials, reused materials and recycled materials, the Athletic Center design reduces the amount of energy and natural resources used in transportation and manufacturing. Several rooms in the Athletic Center have floors made from the floor of the old gym. The cabinetry is made from Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood. Many of the cabinets were made from wood harvested locally (within 500 miles of the school) and manufactured locally. The countertops are made from recycled paper products. Recycled material was used in the steel (biggest component of recycled materials), carpet, linoleum, ceiling tiles, and the rubber mat on the running track. All paint, caulking and adhesives used in the building have low VOC levels (volatile organic compounds). All cleaning products are biodegradable and low toxicity.