The 7,400-square-foot, $9.2 million visitors' center opened in June. It features solar panels and a microhydroelectric generator, which charge a bank of batteries that power the visitors center, said James Dougherty, principal-in-charge of RIM. A propane generator supplements the batteries. Using daylight, earth-sheltered construction and high-performing building systems were key factors in reducing overall electrical demand, making the hybrid energy system possible, he said.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the certification is run by the U.S. Green Building Council.
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