Green Features

The Environmental Nature Center is designed to serve as a living model of sustainability. Our state-of-the-art learning facility was awarded Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council—the highest designation available for green building design and the first building in Orange County to achieve this distinction. Complementing the building’s sustainable design, the ENC also operates as a TRUE Platinum Zero Waste facility, diverting more than 97% of our waste from landfills through thoughtful purchasing, reuse systems, composting, and recycling. Together, these achievements demonstrate the ENC’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while educating the community about practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

Key green features of the Environmental Nature Center include:

• The Environmental Nature Center installed an Electric Vehicle Charging Station and purchased an electric vehicle (EV) to serve as an eco-friendly mode of transportation for our Traveling Naturalist program. The charging station accommodates two vehicles—one designated for ENC use and the other available to visitors and community members.

• The building exceeds California’s strict Title 24 energy code requirements by 70%, making the project’s renewable net-zero energy performance possible. The building was the first in the Southern California Edison service area to actually become a net energy producer.

• A 42 kW rooftop photovoltaic solar array generates approximately 67,413 kWh of electricity annually, providing 100% of the ENC’s electrical needs through Southern California Edison’s net-metering program.

• The building’s north–south orientation and 25-foot glass wall maximize natural daylight while capturing cool ocean breezes. A central breezeway between the staff offices and the main facility promotes natural airflow throughout the structure.

• Integral color plaster and composite wood materials were selected for durability and low maintenance, eliminating the need for painting and reducing long-term material use.

• A smart lighting control system monitors both daylight levels and room occupancy, automatically adjusting lighting to conserve energy and reduce operating costs.

• Natural ventilation, designed to take advantage of coastal breezes, eliminates the need for conventional heating and air conditioning systems.

• The parking lot and surrounding landscape are planted with locally native, drought-tolerant plants, eliminating the need for irrigation while supporting local biodiversity.

• Bioswales and rainwater capture systems eliminate stormwater runoff from the site. Water is filtered naturally on site and returned to the aquifer.

• Recycled and recyclable materials are used extensively throughout the facility. For example, the exterior composite siding is made from wood and plastic scraps that would otherwise go to landfill.

• Building insulation consists of 85% recycled denim fibers and 15% rapidly renewable cotton fibers.

• Water efficiency measures reduce the building’s water use by 46% compared to a typical building. Waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, and low-flow fixtures save approximately 15,000 gallons of potable water each year.

• During construction, 82% of building waste was recycled or diverted from landfills.

• The ENC uses green housekeeping products and recycled paper products to maintain a healthier indoor environment for staff and visitors.

• Educational signage and programming throughout the site help visitors understand the building’s sustainable design and encourage them to apply similar practices in their own lives.

You can also explore ENC Staff Tips for Living a More Sustainable Lifestyle.