Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, designed as a collaborative project among various local stakeholders, serves as both an educational resource and a model of sustainability. The facility integrates innovative building technologies and sustainable strategies to enhance environmental awareness. The building is designed to minimize disruption to its 700-acre natural surroundings and incorporates sustainable features such as a one-acre vegetative roof, pervious pavement, and the use of gray water for non-potable applications. Inside, energy efficiency is achieved through systems like daylight harvesting, fan-assisted natural ventilation, and efficient HVAC design, all of which contribute to significant reductions in both energy and potable water use compared to traditional facilities of similar size. The center also features interpretive exhibits focused on the interrelationship between water and life, while its outdoor trails and water features, including a natural stream that cools the building, further integrate the facility with its environment. With these measures, the center achieved LEED Gold certification and continues to function as an exemplar of sustainable design.