Green design features include:
- Green roof and landscaping designed to control storm water runoff and reduce urban heat island effects
- Ground source heat pumps that utilize the earth’s natural heating and cooling capacities
- Large expanses of glass to make use of natural light
- Solar hot water heating for public restrooms
- Energy-efficient light fixtures
- Extensive use of recycled/recyclable materials and organic compounds
- Convenience to public transportation
- Bike racks and carpool dedicated parking spaces
Green features of building materials include:
- Reception – Counter: The countertops for the reception desk and associated workstations will be Richlite, a product composed of layers of recycled paper bound with a thermosetting resin.
- Reception – Front: The front of reception will be faced in bamboo. Bamboo, while possessing many of the characteristics of wood, is in fact a grass. It grows quickly and is a rapidly renewable resource.
- Floors: Many of the floors at Austin Family Health Center will be sealed concrete. As the structure is also the finish, we eliminate a layer of material, saving resources. In addition, fly ash – waste material from the burning of coal – will be incorporated as part of the concrete mix.
- Brick: Use of locally-produced materials minimizes transportation costs and fuel consumption. The brick selected for Austin Family Health Center is manufactured in Adel, Iowa, less than 500 miles away from the project site.
- Glass: Low-E insulating glass, which reflects heat back to its source, will be used in all windows. At the waiting room and main stairs, ceramic fritting on the glass will filter direct sunlight and provide privacy for patients while still allowing views in and out.
- Aluminum: Window frames and canopy facing at Austin will be aluminum, which is a recyclable material.
