National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of constructing brand new facility in California that will replace their existing NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) and the new building along with the parking space is said to feature a solar rooftop that should generate plenty of green energy for the center to dig into. That is where the green-renovation of the center starts and there is plenty to follow as well.
Commercial structures and parking spaces generally have vast rooftops that are left to dry in the sun. There is a huge potential for tapping into solar power in the case of these structures, but initial costs and lack of awareness stop that from happening. Not in case of NOAA though as their new laboratory that extends approximately 124,000 square feet along with 90,000 sq feet of under building parking that are laced with photovoltaic panels on top.
Along with the solar energy generation the new center will also sport green features such as water retention systems, recycled materials and green rooftops to maintain the temperature of the structure inside. While the fisheries research will take center-stage as usual, eco-friendly design and extensive use of its vast rooftop space have made the new NOAA facility set to take shape a trendsetter for others to follow.
Via: Archdaily
