Nestled within the flatwoods along the Des Plaines River, the Ryerson Education Facility will act as a beacon of ecological education and environmental stewardship for the residents of Lake County and the region at large. In addition to supporting educational programs in partnership with local schools and community organizations, the net-zero energy building will serve as a trailhead for the surrounding forest preserve, which includes one of the only remaining quality flatwoods ecotones in Northern Illinois. The building will tell the story of preserving this fragile ecosystem by actively demonstrating water conservation, energy production, and material resiliency.
The facility was recently certified to be PHIUS Zero 2021 Certified; not only has it achieved Passive House certification, but it will also achieve net-zero energy.
The building achieves net-zero energy through cost-effective measures, such as a 23.8kW solar panel system, high-efficiency HVAC systems, increased insulation values, and LED lighting
Other notable features include occupancy sensors, bird-friendly windows, and EPA Indoor Air Plus compliant materials. The first phase of construction includes a 3,400 SF building with two classrooms, a virtual teaching space, an interpretive exhibit area, and a screened porch. The project also involves realigning the entry road, installing accessible walkways and a looped educational trail, and extending utilities. A second phase to add two additional classrooms is planned but unfunded.
