In 2001, Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ), a local non-profit organization and contractor to the Port of San Francisco, conceived the vision of a green building demonstration project and environmental education center at Heron's Head Park, on the Southern Waterfront of San Francisco. The Port and LEJ, with many supporters and volunteers, have worked together since to realize that vision, and proudly await the The EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park opening to the public in early 2010.
The EcoCenter is now nearly complete, an approximately 1,500 square foot facility that is entirely off the grid , using sustainable power, water, and wastewater systems.
Among the technologies at the EcoCenter (see schematic above):
Eco-Machine wastewater treatment: A series of wetland cells (contained in a greenhouse) and ultraviolet lamps will be used to treat black water (sewage) from the EcoCenter's sewer system. This sterilized water will then be distributed to the landscape around the center, where it will be purified further by toxin-absorbing vegetation. In addition to the actual function of waste-water purification, this system is a powerful demonstration of the water quality functions performed by natural wetlands.
Rainwater harvesting and grey water re-use: Rainwater will be captured from the roof to help offset the building's water use. Also, grey water (waste water from sinks and drinking water supply) will be re-used for irrigation of the native landscaping.
Off the grid electricity: The EcoCenter will have no outside electrical connections – all power used in the building will be generated on-site via photovoltaic solar panels.
Living roof and native landscaping: Much of the building's roof will be planted with native vegetation – a living roof. This will provide insulation from the sun during warm days, and prevent heat loss during cold days. It will also provide valuable habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): The EcoCenter will utilize super-insulated construction materials such as these to minimize heat gain and loss to the outside. This will reduce the Center's need to use electricity for heating and cooling.
Recycled and sustainable building materials: Recycled concrete from a nearby facility, Forest Stewardship Council, certified wood, and other environmentally friendly building materials are used in the construction of the EcoCenter.
The sustainable building technologies used to construct and operate the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park do not exist only to reduce the its own environmental impact – they also serve as example of real-world implementation of sustainable building that we hope will inform and inspire similar efforts throughout the region.
The EcoCenter under construction (below):
The EcoCenter will be operated by LEJ, and will house the Port's on-going environmental education programs at Heron's Head Park as well as offer other community programs focused on educating visitors about the San Francisco Bay environment and sustainable building technology. For more information about how to get involved, and the future of the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park, please see the LEJ EcoCenter page.
