It could be said that the green movement has mastered the art of the possible, lauding every technological breakthrough as an innovative way for society to reduce harmful pollutants, harness renewable-energy sources and allow us to live comfortably in a digital age.


The Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Pittsburgh has built what it is calling “one of the greenest buildings in the world.” It showcases every conceivable green feature that could be crammed into one building [and every award].


Many so-called “green buildings” serve as demonstration projects. If not entirely practical or realistic for the average home or building owner, they instead showcase the latest innovations.


The CSL has earned the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, Four Stars Sustainable SITES Initiative for landscaping, and a WELL Building Platinum project.


More important than the certifications are the features. The center was designed to achieve net-zero energy on an annual basis. It harnesses three forms of renewable energy, using solar photovoltaic panels, vertical axis wind turbines and geothermal wells.


It was also designed to maximize energy efficiency so that even these renewable sources won’t be overtaxed. The design includes such features as passive cooling, strategic window placement, light shelves, reflective ceilings and high-performance insulation.


Building orientation maximizes exposure for natural daylighting. The direct digital-control building-management-system monitors optimize energy-efficient operations.


The building was designed to minimize energy use during operation as well as reduce waste during its construction. According to the Phipps Conservatory, almost all of the construction waste was diverted through efficient site design, recycling and reuse. Sustainable, recycled and salvaged materials were used and emphasis was placed on local materials to reduce energy use in transport.


The building also showcases water efficiency with such features as rain gardens, porous asphalt, a green roof, lagoon, and on-site treatment and reuse.