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Photo: Zion ScenicA Glance at the
Visitor Center

The 7,600-square-foot (706-square-meter) Visitor Center is one of the National Park Service's most energy-efficient buildings. The attractive stone structure is oriented to take advantage of the sun's light and heat, and the design incorporates many other energy-efficient features.

Daylighting, a Trombe wall for passive solar heating, and downdraft cooltowers for natural ventilation cooling save about 10 kilowatts of electrical demand. An energy management computer collects weather data and ensures that all the features work together. It controls the cooltowers, radiant ceiling panels, lighting, and windows. A roof-mounted photovoltaic system provides electrical power, reducing the amount of power purchased from the utility and supplying backup power when grid power is not available.

Head straight to the QuickTime panoramas that feature the Visitor Center's technologies
Clerestory Windows
Cooltowers
Daylighting
Energy-Efficient Landscaping
Insulation
Overhangs
Photovoltaic System
Thermal Mass Flooring
Transportation
Trombe Wall
Ventilation
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Last updated: 08/30/2006 End of Page