Heat and Humidity

• Radiant floor heating reduces energy consumptionby 5-10%
• Heat recovery systems
• Living roof provides thermal insulation
• High-performance glass reduces standard levels of heat absorption and decreases cooling load.
• Reverse osmosis humidification systems keeps the research collections at a constant humidity level and reduces energy consumption for humidification by 95%.

Natural Light and Ventilation

• At least 90% of regularly occupied spaces have access to daylight and outside views
• Natural Ventilation: An open air piazza at the center of the building and skylights on the undulating roof automatically open and close to vent hot air
• The skylights are strategically placed to allow natural sunlight to reach the living rainforest and coral reef
• Motorized windows automatically open and close to allow cool air into the building
• Operable windows will also be employed in staff offices.
• Photosensors automatically dim artificial lights in response to daylight penetration

Renewable Energy

• The canopy around the perimeter of the roof contains 60,000 photo voltaic cells and will supply almost 213,000 kWh of clean energy per year (at least 5% of the new Academy’s energy needs)
• The multi-crystalline Photovoltaic Cells PVCs cells achieve at least 20% efficiency.
• Sensor faucets in the bathrooms utilize an internal turbine to generate power and charge the the faucet with each use.

Water Efficiency

• By absorbing rainwater, the living roof will prevent up to 3.6 million gallons of
• Reclaimed water from the City of San Francisco will be used to flush the toilets, reducing potable water consumption for wastewater by 90%.
• 30% reduction in potable water consumption
• Saltwater for the aquarium will be piped in from the Pacific Ocean, minimizing the use of potable water for aquarium systems.
• Nitrate wastes purified with natural systems, so aquarium water can be recycled.

Materials and Construction

• Over 90% of the demolition waste from the old Academy was recycled.
• At least 50% of the wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
• 100% Recycled steel used for the building's structure
• The insulation made from recycled blue jeans (85% post-industrial recycled content and uses cotton, a rapidly renewable resource)
• Concrete contains 30% fly ash and 20% slag

Living Roof

• The 2.5 acre living roof creates a new link in an ecological corridor for wildlife
• Planted with nine native California species that will not require artificial irrigation and making it the largest swath of native vegetation in San Francisco
• Approximately 1.7 million plants blanket the living roof
• The native plants will provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife

Transportation

• Secure bicycle parking at the front and back entrances
• An electric car recharging station at the loading dock.
• Staff members will be compensated for using public transportation.
• Local materials and products manufactured within 500 miles of the Academy will account for at least 20% of building materials.