Pittsburg's Centre for Sustainable Landscapes to open in early 2012
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is set to open the Centre for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in early 2012.
The research, education and administrative complex will span over an area of 24,350 square feet. It has been designed and is being constructed by people from Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. The facility will incorporate several green features adhering to or exceeding the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, and the Sustainable Sites Initiative certification for landscapes.
The centre will be equipped with solar photovoltaics as well as geothermal wells. These, coupled with installation of a vertical axis wind turbine, are slated to make the facility energy-positive. It is also expected to be a net-zero water facility through storage, treatment, and recycling of all on-site water.
Incorporation of a restorative landscape comprising nine plant communities and a demonstration green roof garden will add to the centre's sustainability. In addition, it will sport a water distillation system, rain gardens and a lagoon, along with constructed wetlands.
