The City of Doral has demonstrated that this project is encouraging the use of smart growth principles by incorporating many sustainable design elements, including the following:

• Passive building design with an energy-efficient roof and windows that reduced energy consumption by 59% compared to the baseline model.

• Preservation of perimeter trees, shrubs, and undergrowth during the site’s landscape development.

• Use of native plants with an irrigation system designed to maximize water conservation.

• Exclusive use of LED lighting with occupancy sensors throughout.

• Sensors on water features in and around the building, with predictions of annual potable water savings of 43.3% compared to a baseline case.

• Low- and no-VOC paints, adhesives and sealers.

This nature and recreation center contains a 9,000-square-foot building with a community e-library, meeting rooms, and a multi-purpose room for classes and events. In addition, the center has a nature exhibit and a projection room showcasing the history of the Everglades, situated just west of the center. “Nature is a big part of who we are as a city, but before this center, we didn’t have anything that focused on the Everglades,” says Barbara Hernandez, Parks and Recreation Director at the City of Doral.