It was built on the grounds of the Ames Research Center in California, one of the main scientific bases of NASA.
The basis of the structure of NASA Sustainability Base, a building with a total area of 4 645 m2, is a steel "exoskeleton", which facilitated the installation of aluminum sun screens, made it possible to remove supports from the interior, and increased the seismic resistance of the building (which is very important for this region). In addition, the steel frame can be easily disassembled and repaired (after the same earthquake) or expanded during rebuilding, which makes such a structure more durable and therefore environmentally friendly: durable solutions are the foundation of William McDonagh's green architecture.
Thanks to panoramic glazing, floor openings and shallow depth, NASA Sustainability Base makes extensive use of natural light and ventilation. According to the calculations of the authors of the project, in California, employees will need electric light only 42 days a year, and economical LEDs will act as its sources. Sensors are installed that dim the light depending on the level of illumination and time of day. The windows will be opened by both people and an automatic infrastructure management system.
Given the very cool nights and very hot days, the architects installed a geothermal heating and cooling system with 4 pumps in the building. It is also equipped with solar panels and collectors. In addition, a solid oxide fuel cell plant produces electricity.
The adjacent territory is landscaped with local plants that do not require intensive irrigation; landscaping also filters rainwater. The use of groundwater is foreseen, although its sources in the area are contaminated. NASA Sustainability Base uses water treated at a nearby station to irrigate the area, and water treated with technology developed for the ISS to treat gray water before reuse. This is only because the use of purified water in California is limited by law: "space" water is quite suitable for drinking.
Most materials meet Cradle to Cradle requirements (they are biodegradable or can be recyclable without causing any harm to the environment). Where this was not possible, recyclable or local materials were used to avoid CO2 emissions during transport.
The building has a greener rating than the highest, Platinum LEED Resource Efficiency Certificate requires.
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