Check out this great video about the NASA Jet Propulsion Labratory in Pasadena, CA.

Sustainable features include…

• The building will save an estimated 500,000 gallons of water every year.
• Low-flow faucets and toilets will reduce water use by more than 44 percent compared with typical fixtures.
• A vegetative roof will keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The green roof will also help minimize storm water runoff into the Arroyo Seco, a dry riverbed near JPL.
• Outdoor lights will be used solely for safety purposes. The lights are directed toward the ground, reducing the amount of light pollution that escapes to the night sky.
• Drought tolerant, native plants and landscapes use 72 percent less water.
• Improved wall insulation, efficient chillers and boilers, window shading devices and the green roof will greatly reduce energy needs.
• Daylighting and lighting controls help the facility perform 25 percent more efficiently than the typical California office building.
• Displacement ventilation delivers cool air at the floor level of the auditorium which provides better interior air quality and a quieter acoustic environment while also saving energy.
• More than 93 percent of the waste generated during construction was diverted from a landfill to a local recycling facility. Wood was acquired from Forest Stewardship Council certified suppliers, ensuring sustainable harvesting of trees.
• The paints and other surface materials have low levels of undesirable, toxic fumes.
• Smart heating and cooling systems know whether people are in a room or not, and adjust temperatures and ventilation accordingly.
• The janitorial staff will use green cleaning products and practices.
• Showers and bike racks encourage people to leave their cars at home, and bike or walk to work.