Rainwater is collected on the roof, filtered, and stored. It is used to clean the roof, flush the toilets, and water the lawns. A photovoltaic array on the roof and the south and west facades provides plenty of electrical power. Surplus power is stored and used at night and during periods of low light. The rest of the surplus energy is channeled into the public power supply.
Trees shade the facade in summer.
This innovative complex proves that daring design can be generated by ecological solutions. The lessons are that real change comes from economic or political forces and that most ecological architecture is just good sense. These lessons will aid architects in the next millennium who will increasingly design buildings for nonvirgin sites. They will also be renovating old buildings and working to reclaim natural resources and generate power in ways that do not harm the environment. You may apply for credits either by downloading the form and faxing or mailing it, or by completing the electronic version and sending it via the Internet.