About the Building
Energy Goals and Building Features
- Primary Energy Design Goals
- Maximize the use of on-site environmental energies.
- Minimize the use of “purchased” energy originating exterior to the site.
- Assure thermal and visual comfort.
- Support the flexibility of use of classroom, laboratory and conference spaces.
- Minimize the environmental emissions caused by the manufacture of construction materials, actual construction, and lifetime use of the building.
Other Building Features
- Solar panel roof
- Advanced natural ventilation (West Wing)
- Raised floor for gentle air distribution and flexibility (East Wing)
- Natural daylighting
- Orientation and layout for energy efficiency and passive solar benefits
- Water conservation and water runoff control
- Radiant heating and cooling (West Wing)
- Native species landscaping
Facility Layout and Highlights
- Energy Exhibit Hall
- Large Lecture Classroom (100 students) and Small Lecture Classroom (48 students)
- Mediated Learning Classroom (48 students)
- Statewide Energy Management Program (SEMP) Lab (32 students)
- Biodiversity Program Lab – John Muir Institute of Natural Sciences (32 students)
- The Max (open learning spaces) for mediated learning
- Study Tutorial Areas and Student Learning Resource Center
- Division and Faculty Offices
- Astronomy Observation Deck, Solar Plaza and Outdoor Study Areas
- Stewardship Resource Center
- See our brochure about the Kirsch Center to learn more about these areas.