The Garthwaite Center for Science and Art

What Is Green About the Garthwaite Center for Science and Art?

Sustainable building materials - low toxicity and emissions

1. Recycled glass tiles in the bathrooms
2. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood beams - company must plant four trees for each one harvested
3. Polyiso Insulation - highest rated insulation
4. Toilet partitions made from recycled plastics
5. Countertops also made from recycled materials
6. Low Volatile Organic Compound paint - non-toxic, low fumes, water-based

Water conservation

1. Landscaping (see below)
2. Composting toilets save 1.6 gallons per flush
3. Low-flow faucets

Green roof

1. Reduces heat loss - added layer of insulation
2. Reduces water runoff into storm drains - conserves water used to water plants
3. Plants replace some of the vegetation lost with building footprint

Passive solar design

1. Faces south harvesting light for use in classrooms
2. Maximizes natural light during the winter
3. Colonnade reduces direct light during summer for reduced need for cooling

Energy efficient windows

High performance lighting

1. Maximizes the use of natural light
2. Occupancy sensors
3. Efficient fixtures

Heating system

1. Wood pellet boiler
• Pellets are a carbon neutral fuel source made from by-products of the forest industry
• Boiler is 85% efficient
2. Enthalpy wheel - heat exchange
• Captures heat and moisture that would escape and redirects into building
3. Radiant heat - internal air temperature can be lower since objects/people are heated directly through floor
4. Concrete floor retains and radiates temperature

Landscaping

1. Rocks taken from ledge that was blasted from hillside (also used at Dushkin House)
2. Weed mix is more environmentally friendly because it requires fewer chemicals and is drought resistant, which means we conserve water