Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences

Utilizing State-of-the-Art Systems to Reduce Energy Consumption

The 45,000 sq. ft. facility houses offices and laboratories for the UC Davis Tahoe Research Group and the Desert Research Institute, as well as classrooms and laboratories for Sierra Nevada College undergrads, and a conference center space for 300 people. The college put great emphasis on utilizing sustainable building methods. The Tahoe Center For Environmental Sciences utilizes many state-of-the-art systems to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall building’s efficiency and occupant comfort. These systems include; active solar hot water, photovoltaic panels, cogeneration, underground chilled water storage, rainwater harvesting, induction diffusers, waterless urinals, skylights and light shelves. In addition to the building systems, Turner’s efforts resulted in over 86% of the project’s construction waste being diverted from landfills and over 25% of the projects materials contained recycled materials. This project was awarded LEED-NC Platinum Certification from the USGBC.