Aldo Leopold Legacy Center
Meeting Tomorrow's Energy Goals Today
Can we change the way we use energy?
The Leopold Center uses 70 percent less energy than a typical building of its size, demonstrating that we can meet tomorrow’s energy conservation goals with today’s techniques and technologies.
By reducing demand for energy, a suite of renewable energy systems on the site will meet most of the building’s energy needs, cutting the Leopold Center’s dependence on coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels. When solar power on-site cannot meet the building’s needs, electricity purchased from the local utility is offset by the purchase of renewably-generated electricity. On an annual basis, the solar array will produce 10 percent more energy than the building consumes.
Energy Efficiency
In a new approach, the Leopold Center’s designers calculated the amount of energy that fell on the site in the form of sunlight, and set that mark as the maximum amount of energy that could be used by the building. They then combined energy saving technologies with smart design to meet that goal.
How can the Leopold Center use 70 percent less energy than a typical building of its size? Read more about energy efficiency.
Energy Production
An extensive photovoltaic solar panel array covers the south-facing, sun-drenched roof. Complementing extensive energy efficiency measures, solar power allows the Leopold Center to operate with a “net zero” energy budget. Geothermal systems, domestic solar hot water heating, and wood heat add to the mix. Read more about using renewable energy.