September 3, 2009

Nature center deemed county's greenest building

By Tanya Manness
Union-Tribune Staff Writer

ENCINITAS - The San Elijo NatureCenter, which opened in January, has been recognized as the "greenest"public building in San Diego County.

The center, made from recycled materials, including old blue jeans,is the first local government building to receive a LEED Platinumcertification, the highest ranking for sustainable design from the U.S.Green Business Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 2710 Manchester Ave. in Cardiff. Admission is free.

The $5.7 million center, designed by Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects,is surrounded by sensitive lagoon habitat. It incorporates radiantfloor heating, certified renewable lumber and solar panels that providemore than half of the building's energy. The denim scraps from jeansare used for insulation.

"It teaches environmental understanding not only through itsexhibits, but also through the construction of the building itself,"county Supervisor Pam Slater-Price said.

Brian Albright, director of the county's Parks and RecreationDepartment, said the nature center is "a model for sustainability thatwill help guide future projects."

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Tanya Mannes: (619) 498-6639;

Related Terms: Encinitas, Cardiff, San Diego County