Page 231 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

WATER AND LIFE MUSEUM, HEMET, CALIFORNIA 201

ADDITIONAL LEED CERTIFICATION DESIGN MEASURES

Half-flush/full-flush lavatories All lavatories at The Center for Water Education
have the option of a half flush or a full flush. This cuts back on water that is wasted
when only a full flush is given as an option every time. A half flush uses half the
amount of water as a full flush uses.

Waterless urinals The Center’s urinals are all waterless. This saves a significant
amount of potable water.

Foam exterior The Center’s foam insulation cuts back on heater and air condi-
tioner use and increases the R factor in the exterior walls, making it as energy-efficient
as possible.

Lithocrete The Center chose to use Lithocrete rather than concrete because it is a
superior paving process that blends both “old world” paving finishes such as granite
and stone with innovative paving finishes incorporating select, surface-seeded
aggregates.

Carpet from recycled materials All the carpets at The Center are made out of
recycled materials making them environmentally safe.

LANDSCAPE
California-friendly plantings The plants at The Center go from being ice-age
native California plants on one side of the campus to modern-day native California
plants on the other side of the campus. Native California plant species are an integral
part of the design allowing the ground cover to blend into the adjacent Nature
Preserve. These drought-tolerant, water-efficient plants are weaved in a unique and
beautiful demonstration garden.

SMART controllers Unlike most water sprinkler systems, The Center for Water
Education’s landscape features SMART controllers. Operated in conjunction with
satellites, weather dictates the amount the system operates. SMART controllers are
also available for residential installation.

Recycled water State-of-the-art technology for irrigation, include the use of
reclaimed as well as, and an exposed braided stream for water runoff are just a few of
the features incorporated into the irrigation plan. The reclaimed water is distributed
through purple colored pipes, which irrigate the root of the plants.

Grounds Rock and decomposed granite enrich the color and water efficiency, which
allows the ground cover to blend into the adjacent Nature Preserve. These elements are
also perfect for residential installation.