In May 2019, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens unveiled the Exhibit Staging Center (ESC).
Originally built in the 1960s as a flat, windowless, concrete block public works building, the ESC now showcases the latest advancements in green building technology, transforming a dilapidated eyesore on a former brownfield into an environment dedicated to the physical well-being of its occupants and visitors, the ecology of its site, and the habitat of native species of plants and animals. This dynamic, modernized adaptation is designed to achieve three of the world’s most rigorous building standards: Living Building Challenge, LEED® Platinum and WELL Platinum.
The ESC is net-positive energy, with an ultra-efficient lighting system that runs on direct DC electricity produced by rooftop solar panels. All rainwater that falls on the ESC is managed on site, and all sanitary water is cleaned through a constructed wetland system and reused.
Maintenance staff and grounds crew, a group whose wellbeing is often overlooked, are the primary occupants of the ESC, which is designed to ensure that the health and well-being of all staff members is a top priority. Additional features encouraging occupants physical and mental well-being include a yoga studio, fitness center and meditation room.
Phipps’ unique positioning offers nearly half a million annual visitors the chance to engage with these impactful features. This project proves the greenest buildings can be ones that already exist. With the right priorities, even the least healthy spaces can be transformed to enhance human and environmental wellbeing.
All the information about how to enter the 2020 WAN Awards is here.
We are very happy to offer support so please don’t hesitate to email Georgia, WAN Awards Event Coordinator with any questions at Georgia.Baily@haymarket.com.
Last year more than 40 countries took part in the WAN Awards with strong showings from Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. And we saw some truly outstanding projects, take a look at the winners from last year here.