In addition to on-site renewable energy through active, passive, and photovoltaic solar, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center has several features intended to optimize the facility’s energy performance, accomplished through conservation and improved efficiency.

Daylighting:
Through a system of exterior and interior windows, the new building is designed to allow sunlight to filter throughout the work spaces, reducing the need for electrical lighting.

Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Appliances and electronics can put a huge load on a building’s energy use. The Nature Center has installed appliances that conserve energy use, including an efficient refrigerator from Sub-Zero and an EPIC z high- efficiency washer and dryer from Maytag.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:
When electrical lighting is required, the Nature Center’s goal is to use 100% LED lighting. LED (light emitting diodes) technology is one of the most energy efficient options in lighting. LEDs are about 10 times more efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs and about twice as efficient as compact fluorescent lights.

Motion Sensor Lighting:
Motion detectors are installed in light switches to sense when people are using each room and to shut off when not in use. With these detectors, we can reduce the amount of time lights are left on unnecessarily.

Insulation:
Insulation is an important way to conserve the energy we use. The roof, walls and ground floors of the Nature Center are insulated beyond that required by the local building code, keeping the heat or cool air within the building’s thermal envelope.
Motion detectors are installed in light switches to sense when people are using each room and to shut off when not in use. With these detectors, we can reduce the amount of time lights are left on unnecessarily.