Visitor Center at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ohio)

Department of the Interior

The Visitor Center at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a high performance building designed to be equivalent to the LEED Silver rating. The building foundation incorporates fly ash concrete. The building shell is "super insulated," with low "E" windows, a recyclable steel roof containing 32% recycled steel, and plank siding made from natural materials. In-floor radiant tube heating, an air-to-air heat exchanger, and a computerized energy management system take advantage of a 30-ton pond-loop geothermal heat exchanger to provide a comfortable interior environment all year round. Occupancy and daylight sensors, efficient lighting, and tinted window glazing; natural flooring, low-VOC paints and adhesives, and other eco-friendly materials provide a healthy and productive work environment.