Sustainable+Design

= California Academy of Sciences building**, by italian architect Renzo Piano.** Sustainability was a key aspect of the design, as this project is one of the ten pilot “green building” projects of the San Francisco Department of Environment, aiming to get platinum LEED certification. Actually, the building will consume 30-35% less energy than required by code. = The building includes an array of **environmentally friendly features**.
 * THE MATERIAL**
 * 90% of all demolition materials were recycled
 * 32,000 tons of sand from foundation excavation applied to dune restoration projects in San Francisco
 * 95% of all steel from recycled sources
 * 68% of insulation comes from recycled blue jeans

**__Natural Light and Ventilation __****. **Uses natural lighting in 90 percent of occupied spaces -At least 90% of regularly occupied spaces will have access to daylight and outside views, reducing energy use and heat gain from electric lighting. -The undulating roofline will draw cool air into the open piazza at the center of the building, naturally ventilating the surrounding exhibit spaces. Skylights in the roof will automatically open and close to vent hot air out through the tops of the domes. -A solar canopy around the perimeter of the roof containing 60,000 photo voltaic cells -The multi-crystalline cells are the most energy efficient cells on the market, achieving at least 20% efficiency. **__Water Efficiency __**Recycles rainwater for irrigation. By absorbing rainwater, the Academy’s living roof will prevent up to 3.6 million gallons of runoff from carrying pollutants into the ecosystem each year (about 98% of all storm water). **__Transportation __** The new Academy will provide secure bicycle parking at the front and back entrances, as well as an electric car recharging station at the loading dock. Staff members will be compensated for using public transportation. [|PROJECT]