Environment Education Center - Plano, TX

We recently visited the Environmental Education Center on Plano Pkwy in Plano, Texas.
The building is a modern style architectural building situated on the site with a prominent southern exposure to take advantage of the warm winter sun.  Roof overhangs help shade south facing windows from the hot summer sun.  The building is located near a bus stop and includes a bike rack as another one of its sustainable amenities.  The windows are glazed with double pane insulated glass for better energy efficiency.

The building, surrounding site and structures include a large number of natural resource conserving features.  Unfortunately the Center itself was closed so we were not able to tour the interior space.

Southern elevation with wind turbine upper left

The driving surfaces and walkways are constructed with permeable surface to help eliminate storm water run-offf.  The driveway was topped with decomposed granit while walking paths were paved with brick pavers.

Landscaping is done with drought resistant native plants and trees.  Landscaping that requires watering is achieved with drip irrigation.  Slow release tree irrigation bags are used around the bases of newly planted trees to help them survive the brutal Texas summer until they become better established.

High efficiency HVAC Condensing Unit - rain barrel is to the left

The center uses high-efficiency  air conditioning units to cool the builing and also has a solar water heater to provide hot water.

Permeable brick paver walkway to the bus stop

The bus stop roof is constructed from recycled street signs.

Photo Voltaic Array on the Parking Cover Structure

The roof of the parking cover has a large photo voltaic array to provide electricty.

The building also has a small area of green roof which was unaccessible during our visit.

Unforetunately the building does have a large unprotected area of glass on the east elevation that allows too much direct light to into the building and to the thermal load of the interior.  A skylite cut into one of the southern overhangs may also allow warm season sun to shine in through the windows on that side.