4: Austin Resource Center for the Homeless

When the city of Austin, Texas, required that public projects in the city qualify for LEED s­ilver status, the architects of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless jumped on board. This public building serves the homeless population in the city in addition to offering a computer room, an art room, and offices for other public organizations. Using energy and water saving methods as well as environmentally-friendly materials, the architects succeeded in building a highly sustainable and useful building.

Various structural designs that keep the building shaded reduce the energy needed to cool the building in the summer. Special coating on the roof reflects a significant amount of heat to keep the building cool. PV panels, donated to the project, help contribute the energy consumed in the building. Also, a solar hot water system supports the hot water supply and motion sensors turn off lights in rooms that are empty or d­on't need artificial light. All these factors mean the building uses 20 percent less energy [source: AIA]. Otherwise, using energy from renewable sources was a priority for the building's designers as well.

To efficiently use water, the building collects rain water, which is in turn used for flushing toilets and irrigation of the landscape. Sensors on the faucets cut down on water waste, too.

Architects also wanted to use recycled material wherever possible as well. So, cement partially composed of fly ash was used. And, although construction always entails producing waste, more than half ended up being recycled

In an effort to encourage alternative, clean transportation, planners designed a parking lot that limits spaces for cars (to encourage carpooling) and contains more space for bikes. In addition, the site includes a station for recharging electric cars. Its proximity to several bus lines also makes public transportation convenient.

One of the biggest challenges in green design is water conservation. On the next page, we'll learn how one building uses aerated faucets to reduce water consumption.