High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011 - (Page 33)

O m e G A C e n T e r f O r S u S T A i n A b L e L i v i n G The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation’s largest holistic learning center. Its mission is: “To look everywhere for the most effective strategies and inspiring traditions that might help people bring more meaning and vitality into their lives.” It embarked on a journey in 2006 to develop a new and sustainable wastewater filtration facility for its 195-acre campus, which is located in upstate New York within the 13,400 square mile Hudson River watershed basin. T he primary goal for this project was to overhaul the organization’s current wastewater disposal system for the entire campus (more than 100 buildings) by using an alternative method of treatment. As part of a larger effort to educate its visitors, staff and local community on innovative wastewater strategies, Omega decided to showcase the system (or Eco MachineTM) in a building that houses the primary treatment cells and a classroom/laboratory. Soon after committing to pursuing the Living Building certification (see Living Building Challenge sidebar on Page 40), CEO Skip Backus named the facility Omega Center for Sustainable Living. In addition to using the treated water for garden irrigation and ultimately in a greywater recovery system, the Opposite With goals of net zero energy and net zero water, the design of the Omega Center for Sustainable Living relied on deep connections to nature, from building form and orientation to water cycles and site restoration. Omega Institute will use the system and building as a teaching tool in its educational program designed around the ecological impact of its system. These classes are offered to campus visitors, area school children, university students and other local communities. The building has been in operation since May 2009, and met the Living Building requirements one year later (after the verification period). It is the first building to receive LEED Platinum and Living Building certification. b u i L d i n G AT A G L A n C e name omega Center for sustainable living location 150 lake drive, rhinebeck, n.Y. (100 miles north of new York) owner omega institute for Holistic studies Principal use Wastewater treatment facility includes educational classroom employees/occupants one part-time teacher; one part-time facility staff; part-time tours and classroom students gross square Footage 6,250 ft2 Conditioned space 100% distinctions/Awards First building to be leed Platinum and living Building certified Total Cost $4.1 million, including cost of outdoor constructed wetlands and full wastewater treatment systems substantial Completion/occupancy may 2009 Think Globally, Act Locally As with many other parts of the world, water is a critical issue for the region. The Omega Campus is located adjacent to Long Lake, which is part of a tributary system of the Hudson River. Both the lake and the river are facing challenges caused by human activities. Because of its proximity to New York City, the Hudson is a vital source for fresh water. The neighbors surrounding Long Lake Fa l l 2 0 1 1 HigH (including Omega prior to the construction of the Omega Center) are causing degradation of the lake via agricultural runoff, landscaping PerForming Buildings 33

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011
Commentary
Contents
Manitoba Hydro Place
Maplewood Police and Court Building
Omega Center for Sustainable Living
Dockside Synergy at Dockside Green
Golden Hill Office Center
Letters to the Editor
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011