Driven by a passionate commitment to sustainable design and operation, the Conservancy retained PageSoutherlandPage to manage the LEED certification process for Discovery Green. LEED credits are earned based on site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources used in construction, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process.
The park's location in a dense urban center and access to public transportation, as well as complete remediation of a brownfield site, provision of facilities for cyclists, and prevention of pollution during construction all earned LEED credits.
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Solar arrays donated by BP are visible on the verandas on The Lake House (foreground) and Alkek Buildings.
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The park's efficient irrigation system, recycling of groundwater from the garage for use in water features and irrigation, and use of high tech, highly-efficient restroom fixtures are important green features as well.
Enhanced HVAC refrigerants and air conditioning units are also factored into the park's LEED status, and the Conservancy has committed to securing a high percentage of its power from "green" sources.
Solar panels sponsored by BP, along with other efficient technologies are being used to heat water and to generate electricity on-site. Two arrays, or 250 solar panels, added to the Alkek Building and The Lake House buildings will generate 35 percent of the power for the two buildings where the panels are located.
Construction materials for the park have been recycled for use in future projects. Additionally, 20 percent of the materials used came from regional sources, and more than 70 percent of the wood used to construct the park came from sustainably-harvested forests. The exposed structural elements on the buildings were included to conserve construction materials by eliminating the need for additional surface covering.
(L) With no standard baselines in place for restaurant buildings, The Grove and The Lake House must adhere to the guidelines for office buildings in order to earn LEED credits. The amount of required energy savings at the two restaurants alone would support two-and-a-half typical homes in the United States. (R) Herbs and spices growing on the Grove's green roof.
Lighting and air conditioning levels in all buildings are consistently monitored, and all buildings allow maximum access to daylight and views for natural sources of light. And, finally, the Conservancy has committed to an education program and use of green housekeeping and landscape maintenance products.
Bike racks offer a a convenient place for
cyclists to store their mode of transpor  tation.
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Ipe wood was used
as material for
constructing the
bandstand on
the Event Lawn.
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