The building covering an area of 110,000 square feet is slated to be the largest marine research building on the Texas Gulf Coast. It has been designed by WHR Architects.
The facility incorporates several sustainable features which include installation of energy-efficient systems and less water consuming water fixtures. Use of energy-saving methods has led to a fall of 27% in energy consumption whereas the water systems used in the building slashed water wastage by 41%. The facility has also employed 100% non-potable water to suffice irrigation needs.
About 41% of the materials used in the building have been procured from local sources whereas 31% of the total materials are reclaimed. In addition, 89% of the construction debris of the structure has been reused adding to its eco-friendliness.
