Taos Youth Collaborative

The sustainable goals for the project are to achieve a LEED platinum rating. This involves an ecologically sensitive site planning approach, construction activity pollution prevention, limited parking capacity with permeable surfaces, protection and restoration of natural habitats, maximizing open space, mitigating the urban heat island effect, adhering to the strictest light pollution reduction measures, design integration of storm water management systems, and water conserving features. Green materials and products and the use of alternative building materials for the exterior walls combine with high insulating values and light colored roofing to reflect summer heat. A high efficiency mechanical system will utilize passive and active solar heating with thermal storage, and evaporative cooling with harvested rainwater. Natural ventilation and day lighting will improve indoor air and light quality, and control heat gain, while photo-voltaics will offer an alternative power source.