The Ernie Morgan Environmental
Action Center (EMEAC) project will comprise both a
renovation and expansion of the current Norfolk Environmental
Commission's (NEC's) facility. The NEC has committed
to the goal of creating a building of the highest possible
environmental performance that will serve as a locus
of activity and learning as well as inspiration to
others who intend to construct buildings within the
community. The underlying goal for the project will
be the achievement of a Platinum level certification
within the U. S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating
System. An additional objective will be to create a
facility that produces more energy than it consumes
- - it will be a “net exporter” of power to the city
grid through the use of photovoltaics in concert with
low energy high performance design and construction
practices.”
Notable building features currently include a high performance building envelope, geothermal heating and cooling, low velocity air distribution, displacement ventilation, and rain water collection for various uses.
