Atlanta-based architectural firm, Lord, Aeck & Sargent was commissioned by Gwinnett County to design the GEHC. “It’s been an outstanding experience for the Lord, Aeck & Sargent team to have been involved with a government building that embodies the principles of water conservation and education not just through its programs, but through its very design,” said John Starr, AIA and Lord, Aeck & Sargent project principal in charge. The building has achieved LEED gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Located in Buford, the center is surrounded by more than 200 acres of green space that includes a creek and forest amphitheater, as well as, constructed wetlands, granite rock outcroppings, native plants and 10 miles of nature trails.

The two-story, 59,000-square-foot green building teaches and practices water conservation thru its design. The estimated water and energy savings are substantial compared to other commercial buildings of its same size. GEHC is estimated to use 75 percent less potable water as well as using 35 percent less energy. The showcase of smart water-saving strategies begins outside on the concrete, extends inside the restrooms and expands outwards to its roofs. Some of the water features are easily recognizable and others incorporated into common appliances that would normally not be recognizable, since its work happens beneath the surface.

Water Saving Highlights

• The sloped green roof provides storm water collection.
• The bathroom faucets are automatically controlled and the men’s urinals are waterless. The annual estimated water savings are 316,000 gallons of potable water.
• The non-potable reuse water is used for the landscape’s water-efficient drip irrigation system.
• The walkways and parking lots utilize pervious concrete.

At 40,000 square feet and four inches deep, the green roof is the largest in the Southeast and provides a natural habitat for plants, insects and birds.

The GEHC has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors since it opened its doors to the public. From the recreational green space to the on-hands exhibits, children and adults discover how much fun learning about water conservation and sustainability can be, especially when it comes to the Discover H20 exhibit, which adults find just as fascinating as children do. Discover H20 is the most popular water exhibit, according to Sheila Fowler, Resources and Marketing Coordinator, Georgia Environmental & Heritage Center.

Not only do the water saving features employed in the center demonstrate ways to conserve water, but the energy saving strategies exhibit even more benefits of a sustainable design. Some of the energy-saving features include south-facing windows to utilize natural day lighting, roof overhangs to minimize heat gain and provide shade during the summer and a well-insulated and sealed building. The energy and water saving features work together to highlight intelligent and responsible solutions for water and energy practice and conservation.

As metro Atlanta develops and the population multiplies faster than rainwater or the Chattochee can replenish its water, GEHC serves as a model of not just sustainable design, but also a role model in water conservation for other developers and architects alike.

For more info: www.gwinnettEHC.com