green living
natural gas. In 2010, a Climate Action Plan introduced green office practices, conver- sion to solar water heaters in National Park Service residences and increased composting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from in- ternal operations by 30 percent by 2020. Te park is unique in its composting program for mule waste.
Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon, Colorado
Eco-Upgrades for
America’s Landmarks Monuments and Parks Adopt Sustainable Practices
by Avery Mack M
ore U.S. landmarks are now highlighting eco-friendly practices, demonstrating that
history can be preserved while incorpo- rating sustainability.
Space Needle, Seattle Built in 1962, the Space Needle is under- going a $100 million makeover. Te observation deck will soon feature improved views through glass instead of cage-like barriers. Restaurant patrons will enjoy a first-of-its-kind rotating glass floor. Other eco-updates and upgrades include improved accessibility, internal systems, materials, elevators, paint, and seismic protection along its legs. Because the flame at the needle’s top consumed enough gas to heat 125 homes, it was replaced in 2000 with a flagpole mast, a beacon for aviators. When the rehab is completed in June, the structure will qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification.
8 Austin Edition
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz Island, California
A pioneer in hybrid ferries, Alcatraz Cruises combines solar, wind and diesel power to transport visitors. Captured rain freshens park gardens and salt water flush- es toilets. In 2013, solar energy produced what would have otherwise necessitated 31,900 gallons of fossil fuel and 325 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Iolani Palace, Honolulu Updated lighting units with a life expec- tancy of 25 years enhance the Iolani Palace facade and provide a 77 percent energy savings, partly through an “instant on” feature instead of power-up lights.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
New buildings are LEED certified and shuttle buses are fueled by compressed
AustinAwakenings.com
Using both passive and active solar energy, ground-source heat pumps, vegetated roofs and sustainable building materials, Walk- ing Mountains is the first science center in Colorado to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, exceeding requirements. Collectively, three of its buildings use half the energy of an average school building. Straw bale construction in some building walls provides sound-deadening insulation suited to a dry climate.
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis
St. Louis’ CityArchRiver initiative raised a mile-long waterfront by 30 inches to reduce flood days by 67 percent without causing flooding downstream. “Spent grain donated by the neighboring Anheuser- Busch Brewery fertilizes our 4,200 trees,” says Eric Moraczewski, executive director of the Gateway Arch National Park Foun- dation. In another innovation, “To aerate the soil without damaging historic relics, radishes were planted throughout the park, allowing rainwater to seep deeper,” he explains. “As radishes decay, nutrients are added to the soil.”
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, and Ground Zero Museum, New York City
“Te area housing the Liberty Bell is limited. We installed our ActivePure technology that reduces 99 percent of surface microorganisms and 90 percent of airborne microorganisms,” says Kevin Hickey, president of Aerus, LLC, in Dallas. “It keeps germs from spreading in crowd- ed situations.” ActivePure is also in place at the
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