DAYLIGHTING
The daylighting in the AS Sustainability Center has been carefully selected to efficiently illuminate each space. Daylight harvesting is an integral component and energy management technique that reduces overhead lighting use by utilizing natural or ambient light present in the different building spaces. The daylighting feature is aided by different photosensors located along the north facing facade and by light dimming or switching OFF capabilities when sufficient ambient light is present or when the space is unoccupied.
LIGHTING MEASURES
The lighting in the AS Sustainability Center has been carefully selected to efficiently illuminate each space. In order to take advantage of natural daylight entering the building, photosensors have been located along the north facing façade. The photosensors reduce the artificial lighting levels when adequate natural daylight is present. Occupancy sensors are also located throughout to conserve energy.
OPERABLE WINDOWS
The AS Sustainability Center has operable windows throughout, giving occupancy access to natural ventilation and a connection to outdoors. Sensors built into the window frame automatically shut-down the HVAC system for the room when the window is open.
GREYWATER COLLECTION & REUSE
The AS Sustainability Center collects water from the lavatories, shower, and HVAC condensate for irrigation use. The self-contained greywater collection unit is located underground, where the water is lightly filtered, sanitized with ultraviolet light, and distributed to the weather-monitoring irrigation system.
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPING
An existing paved service yard devoid of landscaping has been transformed into a regionally appropriate drought-tolerant garden that complements the aspirations of the AS Sustainability Center. Plant material has been specifically selected based on their environmental performance benefits: reducing water demand, creating habitat, filtering stormwater, and minimizing energy use by lowering ambient air temperatures.
MECHANICAL MEASURES
The AS Sustainability Center uses a high efficiency Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. The all-electric cooling and heating system is powered by the solar photovoltaic system. No natural gas is used, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the building.
SOLAR PANELS
The AS Sustainability Center has 85 roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels totaling 24 kW of solar energy. The electricity generated from this system averages 34,000 kWh per year.
SOLAR HOT WATER
Two flat plate solar collectors on the roof provide the majority of the domestic hot water for the AS Sustainability Center. This system uses temperature-sensing pumps and controllers to operate two storage tanks on sunny days, and isolate one tank on cloudy days. This concentrates the heating energy and limits the backup electric heat needed.
REPURPOSED FURNITURE
Our Outreach and Operations team work areas have been furnished with nearly-new repurposed desks and pedestals. Furnishings were donated by Interior Removal Specialist, Inc., and CSUN/PPM Asset Management.
VACUUM COMPOSTING TOILETS
Water use is limited using a Vacuum Composting System that can operate at 1/20 gallon per flush. The basic components are the Vacuum Toilets, Vacuum Pump, and a Composter where the breakdown of waste is accelerated with the use of aerobic microbes, heat, and evaporation. The resulting byproduct has the consistency of common soil.