The 62,000 square feet science facility includes a 53-seat planetarium that is, in part, powered by rooftop photovoltaic panels donated by the local utility company, Salt River Project (SRP).
The facility also features an interactive graphic display kiosk where students can track the solar energy harvested by the panels and see the inner-workings of a building’s engineering systems to learn about its sustainable features.
Measurable sustainable highlights of the building include 39% savings in energy use intensity and 43% energy cost savings through energy conservation measures, 56% reduction in potable water use through indoor water conservation measures, 63% reduction in potable water use for landscape irrigation, diversion of over 842 tons or 77% of the construction waste from conventional landfills, manufacturing 30% of materials utilizing recycled content, and using 78% Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products.
