Pittsburgh, Pa. — Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is pleased to be named among the recipients of a Pittsburgh Business Times 2013 EnergyLeadership Award — an honor designed to recognize individuals, companies and organizations that have played a key role in paving the way for the vibrant growth of the region’s energy sector. Accepting the award on behalf of Phipps at a ceremony held at the Westin Convention Center on May 8, 2013 was Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini.
Starting with a campus expansion project resulting in the first LEED® visitor center in a public garden; a tropical forest conservatory that is celebrated as the most energy-efficient structure of its kind; and the first LEED Platinum greenhouses, Phipps has recently raised the bar when it comes to energy with the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL). As a facility that generates all of its own renewable power, in addition to treating and reusing water captured on site, the CSL is expected to be the first building anywhere to achieve the three highest green architecture and landscape standards: the Living Building Challenge™, LEED Platinum and Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) certification.
“Designed and built by Pittsburghers and Pennsylvanians, the CSL speaks to the great talent we have in our region, giving us a perfect opportunity to show the rest of the world just how innovative and efficient we can be when it comes to energy,” says Richard V. Piacentini, the visionary behind Phipps’ green transformation. “We are honored to be counted among the winners of this award and thank Pittsburgh Business Times for recognizing our efforts to provide a model of sustainability for the future.”
For anyone interested in learning more about innovative energy-saving technologies and strategies at the CSL — including its solar photovoltaics, wind turbine, geothermal wells, passive heating and cooling methods, and more — guided tours of the facility are offered daily at 1 p.m. No reservations are required; however, spots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. These tours cost $2 in addition to the price of Phipps admission, which is $15 for adults; $14 for seniors and students; and $11 for children two – 18. Members and children under two enter for free. The CSL is also open from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. on Fridays for self-guided tours. Learn more at phippscsl.org.
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