Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research: Green Features

 

As part of its ongoing conservation efforts, the San Diego Zoo constructed the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, home of the Zoo's department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), using green practices and materials. Below are its sustainable design features:

• To reduce the usage of fossil fuels to provide electricity to the Beckman Center, a hillside of solar (photovoltaic) panels collect the energy from sunlight and convert it to electricity. It is estimated that this array provides about 20 percent of the electrical needs of the building.
• The Beckman Center was created with numerous windows strategically placed to allow natural sunlight to be a key component of lighting in the building.
• Waterless urinals and water efficient sink fixtures were installed in the bathrooms to reduce water usage.
• A storage area for collection of recyclable materials was included in the design of the Beckman Center to encourage this behavior by employees.
• All of the windows are dual glazed (insulated) and have a coating that reduces UV radiation as well as a tinting to reduce solar heat gain. The measures reduce the cooling required in the summer and the heating required in the winter. The HVAC equipment utilizes highly efficient motors and fans that reduce electrical consumption. The HVAC system is also monitored and controlled by a computer system that continually makes adjustments to ensure that the minimum amount of energy is used.
• Whenever possible, recycled materials were used in flooring, roofing, and other features of the Beckman Center.