The mission of the Institute of EcoTourism (IET) is to promote the experience of environmentally conscious tourism, sustainable community development, and place-based environmental education so it is fitting that the organization is housed in a sustainable building. Located in the beautiful red rocks in Northern Arizona, the project utilizes drought resistant landscaping to reflect the indigenous landscapes native to the region while reducing water use for irrigation. New mechanical systems have been installed which significantly exceeded ASHRAE requirements and day lighting is enhanced in the main Gallery building by the presence of three tubular skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Only Green Power is used to power the facility and visitors can explore topics of natural history, indigenous cultures, and resource conservation with several state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and ongoing video presentations.
Sustainable Strategies
More than half of the site area outside of the building footprint has been restored with indigenous plants used to create local ecosystems
Signed a two-year renewable energy purchase agreement from APS for 705 kWh per month (8460 kWh/year) that exceeds the Green-e Standard
Use of adhesives, sealants, paints and composite wood products with low or no volatile organic compound (VOC) content
A permanent temperature and humidity monitoring system operates throughout all seasons to ensure thermal comfort
A comprehensive education program that includes permanent signage of green buidling features, educational outreach to the community, a daily green building and design tour, and case study video
Project Results
LEED for New Construction GOLD level achieved
26% of total materials cost was salvaged and reused materials
37% energy cost savings above ASHRAE 90.1-1999 energy standard
25% savings of potable water for domestic uses
98% of construction waste was diverted from the landfill
The mission of the Institute of EcoTourism (IET) is to promote the experience of environmentally conscious tourism, sustainable community development, and place-based environmental education so it is fitting that the organization is housed in a sustainable building. Located in the beautiful red rocks in Northern Arizona, the project utilizes drought resistant landscaping to reflect the indigenous landscapes native to the region while reducing water use for irrigation. New mechanical systems have been installed which significantly exceeded ASHRAE requirements and day lighting is enhanced in the main Gallery building by the presence of three tubular skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Only Green Power is used to power the facility and visitors can explore topics of natural history, indigenous cultures, and resource conservation with several state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and ongoing video presentations.
