Green, without the envy

Cotton insulation made out of recycled denim and counter tops fashioned out of compressed recycled paper are just two of the environmentally friendly features that are part of the new Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach.

Constructed out of mostly recycled materials, the building relies on an energy-efficient design without heating or air conditioning systems.

“Everyone is very impressed with the sustainable elements that have been put in,” said Bo Glover, executive director of the Environmental Nature Center. “People have positive things to say about the message we’re sending with the design as well as the looks of the building.”

The center is awaiting approval for the highest environmentally friendly rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

If approved, the nature center would be the first building to receive a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating in Orange County. Buildings must adhere to the highest environmental standards to obtain the platinum rating. Only 10 buildings in California hold platinum status.

Creating an environmentally friendly center on a budget was a challenge for lead designer Rick D’Amato from the architectural firm LPA Inc. Sustainable features have a way of making buildings more costly, he said.

Features such as a natural ventilation system instead of a traditional heating and cooling system, kept costs down, D’Amato said.

“I really love the shape and simplicity of it — it’s one of the simplest structures I’ve designed,” D’Amato said. “I love the educational aspect of the building and the whole idea you can learn about environmental design there.”

The 9,000-square-foot, $5.3 million building is perched on 3.5 acres on 16th Street in Newport Beach. Building designers estimate the site’s sustainable design could save the center more than $20,000 annually in energy and other costs.

Other sustainable features in the building include a lighting system that automatically turns off lights when there’s enough natural light, waterless urinals, furnishings made from recycled fabric and an exterior made from recycled sawdust and resin.

The center, 1601 E. 16th St., will give the public opportunities to tour and learn about environmentally friendly building techniques this summer. People can take a guided tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and Aug. 8.

ABOUT THE CENTER

 Educational displays at the new Environmental Nature Center include a life-sized replica of a coast live oak tree surrounded by examples of native animals.

 A children’s nook for visitors to read and color includes a faux-rock table and cactus-shaped bookshelves.

 Visitors to the center also can go inside a life-sized replica of a Native American Tongva dwelling.

 The center produces energy on-site with 70-foot photovoltaic cells.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.