Here is a concerted effort to establish a comprehensive sustainable program that includes architectural design but also extends to the systems required for wastewater treatment – electricity generation, water recycling, and solid waste recycling.

Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) provides wastewater treatment to 300,000+ San Diego County residents. Facilities include a 36 million gallon/day wastewater treatment plant, water recycling facility and pump stations. EWA has defined a comprehensive sustainable site philosophy for an energy efficient and environmentally responsive facility.

Recent steps in implementing this philosophy include enhancements to on-site electrical cogeneration system, a new solid waste treatment facility that creates fuel pellets on site which are used to provide energy at local concrete plants, and even experiments with Scripps Oceanography to develop media for raising algae that can be converted to bio-fuel.

Now, take a look at the new operations complex. Designed to last more than 100 years, the facility follows the owner’s sustainable philosophy for an energy efficient and environmentally responsive facility. The board of directors mandated LEED guidelines be followed, though certification was not pursued.

A study during design identified 38 potential qualifying credits. Elements incorporated include:

• Site selection
• Public transportation access – bus and train
• Bicycle storage and changing rooms
• Electric vehicle recharge stations
• Site contained storm water management and full treatment
• Cool roof
• Light pollution reduction
• Recycled irrigation water
• Low flow toilet fixtures with automatic controls
• Pre-plumbed for future recycled water use
• Building systems commissioning plan
• Use of on site cogeneration system
• Ozone protection
• Storage and collection of recyclables
• Construction waste management plan, including recycling of materials from demolished existing building
• Recycled/recyclable content in building materials:
• Local/regional materials including concrete masonry
• Tobacco smoke control
• Indoor air quality management:
• Low emitting materials – paint, sealants
• Thermal comfort, daylight and views: Abundant natural lighting, skylights, light shelves. Large operable windows with high efficiency glazing, exterior balconies. Exterior shading devices
• The lobby is designed as an unconditioned area. A thermostatically controlled system that opens low windows and high louvers at a set temperature provides passive ventilation. On unusually hot days, the louvers close and an auxiliary exhaust fan provides added comfort. Heating is restricted to the receptionist floor area. The boardroom incorporates a similar passive cooling option. These high-performance facilities are expected to consume 25+% less energy than code allows.
• It’s time to call the public’s attention to the remarkable work being done here. Encina is definitely worth an award for sustainability.

Image