TINICUM, Del.
The Cusano Environmental Education Center has just been completed at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The 18,000-sf 'green' structure was designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm Susan Maxman & Partners. It incorporates such environmentally-friendly elements as geothermal, energy-efficient systems for heating and cooling; salvaged wood and wood from sustainably managed forests; native plants; use of natural light to minimize use of artificial light; recycled materials used for floors, walls, and insulation; strategies for minimizing water consumption and runoff. It is expected that the $5 million price tag on the one-story building will be offset by a 30% savings on utility bills.
