Project Info

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Phipps Conservatory

Center for Sustainable Landscapes

The Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) building at Phipps Conservancy & Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh was designed to meet the Living Building Challenge (LBC) issued by the International Living Future Institute.  When Phipps heard the words “Imagine a building as elegant and efficient as a flower”, they knew they were the perfect place to create that building.  The Living Building Challenge puts it all together: energy, water, site, health, materials, equity, performance, and beauty.  In addition to imperatives like net-zero energy and net-zero water, LBC is about relationships, and has at its core, an aspiration to restore a healthy connection with nature and celebrate beauty. WPPSEF provided $150,000 to support Phipps commitment to bringing the LBC to western Pennsylvania.  The 24,000 square-foot CSL integrated technologies such as a solar photovoltaic system, a desiccant de-humidification system, the rooftop energy recovery system, a Epiphany solar water system, a real-time energy monitoring dashboard, rainwater harvesting and cisterns, natural ventilation, geothermal heating & cooling, light shades and shelves, permeable paving, green roof, and a restorative natural landscape.

Impact

Expected daily water use of 175 gallons (2,580 gallons/day for a typical office building of comparable size)

Estimated annual energy cost $0 ($34,893/yr. for a typical office building of comparable size )

Phipps CSL continues to inspire many organizations and buildings

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