MONTGOMERY—The U.S. Green Building Council of Alabama has named the Richard C. Shelby Center for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab one of its four Clover Award winners for 2011. The award was presented at the USGBC-Alabama Chapter’s inaugural G4 (Going, Going Green) Gala on August 12.

The Clover Award recognizes outstanding people, projects, communities, school systems and businesses from throughout the state. This year, there were eight finalists competing for the Clover Awards.

All eight nominees exemplified the qualities of sustainability, leadership, stewardship and advocacy,” said John Roper, executive director of the USGBC-Alabama Chapter.  “It was tough choosing just four winners. I would like to thank all of those who participated in this year’s nomination process.”

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is the marine environmental center for all of the universities in the state. In designing the Richard C. Shelby Center for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management, the institution had the following goals: to reduce operations and maintenance costs so that funds instead would be used for research; build the facility with brick so that it is a durable, resilient construction; provide a daylit and comfortable work environment for the researchers; and incorporate as much renewable energy initiatives as the budget would allow so that the facility would demonstrate how buildings can positively impact environmental health, in particular that of aquatic ecosystems.

With those goals in mind, the building’s design took on a naturalistic look. The structure and mechanical systems are all exposed and the concrete slab will be polished into the finished floor. In addition, concrete blocks will receive a translucent light-reflecting sealer, providing the look of a building without make-up.

The labs have generous windows, allowing for a day-lit work environment, which also reduces the electric lighting needed. The added transparency encourages the sharing of ideas, while providing a visual connection to the surrounding environment.

The architecture responds to the solar orientation of the building, with deeper overhangs on the southern side to keep out the heat, while the northern side has minimal roof overhangs, allowing the diffusion of light into the labs. The building supports both a solar hot water system and a photovoltaic system for power generation.  This system, the largest photovoltaic system in Coastal Alabama, reduces the amount of electricity the facility uses during peak times.

Inside the facility, mechanical systems are designed to respond to the building’s actual use with occupancy sensors and variable speed equipment. This prevents unnecessary energy use.

Outside, the landscape is designed to absorb and naturally filter stormwater with a series of infiltration beds planted with coastal native vegetation. The plants will provide habitat for migrating birds.

The Shelby Center has received a LEED Gold certification which recognizes and quantifies the sustainable strategies used in the building. The Clover Award was received by Dr. John Dindo, Associate Director for Operations at the Laboratory, who oversaw the design and construction of the building.

The other three Clover Award winners for 2011 are Dr. Dee Fowler of Madison City Schools, the Alagasco Center for Energy Technology Project, and Robins & Morton’s Office Renovation Project.

For more information on the USGBC-Alabama Chapter or the Clover Awards, visit www.usgbcofal.org.

Media Contact: John Roper

Executive Director

USGBC Alabama Chapter

205-910-5064