Department of Water Resources
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
November 14, 2008
3. Watersheds –
Aquarium goes with the flow
By Phillip Zonkel, Staff Writer
The 1,246-square-foot classroom, which is part of the Aquarium's new permanent display "Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific," received a platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, a leading authority on sustainable building practices.
The structure, which uses 30 to 40 percent less energy than the standard classroom and reduces the energy bill by $200 a month, includes an array of eco-friendly features: a 6-kilowatt photovoltaic system, which will supply the classroom's entire electricity needs, high-efficiency fans and a natural ventilation substitute for air conditioning, concrete made from reclaimed fly ash, sustainably harvested wood, recycled steel, nontoxic adhesives, paints and composite woods, excellent indoor air quality and a 1,200-square-foot "green roof" covered with native plants such as deergrass and beach primrose that improve insulation and reduce stormwater runoff.
"We hope these examples of alternative energy, sustainable design and water conservation and reuse inspire others to incorporate green design into their building plans," said Jerry Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific chief executive officer.
The green classroom is one part of "Our Watersheds" development, the aquarium's largest expansion since the opening of Shark Lagoon in 2002.
A watershed is an area of land where all the surface water drains to the same lower destination. This water can come from high in the mountains or from rain that falls on the streets.
The 7,180-square-foot "Our Watersheds" display is nestled behind the Shark Lagoon and
This three-dimensional model shows children how rain flows from the surrounding mountains and streets before it empties into
The water-flow exhibit and eco-classroom are surrounded by native landscaping found throughout the
These 30 plants, which consist of scrubs, ground covers, grasses and perennials, are adapted to the region's climate and do not require much irrigation. They also provide abundant food for birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects.
The plant habitats are divided into different areas.
The coastal bluff habitat, the "green roof," represents the steep shoreline slopes found along the coast and includes cliff buckwheat, purple tussockgrass and California poppy.
The coastal scrub habitat, the zone along the east and north side of the classroom, illustrates the low scrubland plant community found in the chaparral and woodlands region of coastal
The freshwater marsh wetland habitat, on the south side of the exhibit, represents the areas around the mouth of the
The native landscaping will reduce the aquarium's water usage by 150,000 gallons a year. #
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_10970098
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