The Syracuse Center of Excellence (SyracuseCoE), a Syracuse based organization with the mission to create innovations in environmental and energy technologies that improve human health/productivity, security and sustainability in urban and built environments, is housed in one of the most energy efficient buildings in the nation. The SyracuseCoE's LEED platinum headquarter building was designed by the world renowned architect, Toshiko Mori. Toshiko Mori employed a myriad of energy saving features into the building's design, including a planted green roof to absorb storm water runoff and provide insulation. The building is heated/cooled by a system of overhead water panels that are more efficient than traditional systems. The building has a south-facing window wall, which captures natural light and employs thin blinds between panes that adjust automatically to the sun to reduce glare. In addition to energy efficiency, the Syracuse CoE is developing and employing ventilation systems that filter pollutants from outside air, which Ed Bogucz, the Syracuse CoE's executive director, states increases organizational productivity.
For more information refer to http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-29/syracuse-builds-41-million-incubator-for-green-ideas-james-s-russell.html
or visit the SyracuseCoE's website at http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/.
