Planned as a model of green architecture, the new Ryerson Woods Welcome Center takes advantage of the latest advances and trends in environmentally-friendly construction and design.
Green architecture emphasizes the design and construction of high-performance, sustainable buildings that minimize negative environmental impact. The Welcome Center employs a number of sustainable strategies, from materials choices to the use of natural light, geothermal heating and cooling, and recycled rainwater. The building has applied for certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) through the U.S. Green Building Council and is expected to achieve gold- or platinum-level certification.
One of the advantages of green architecture is the savings that can be realized over time. For example:
- The Welcome Center’s total utility bill is a fraction of the cost of that of a standard building of the same size.
- Because the water won’t puddle, we expect our porous asphalt parking lot to weather longer than standard paving.
- Our metal roof should last at least 50 years. (A shingled roof typically lasts 15 - 20 years.)
- After just eight years, our geoexchange system will have paid for itself in energy savings.
Environmental Education
The Welcome Center serves as headquarters to our Environmental Education division. Public programs and are offered here year-round, as well as field trips for school and scout groups.
Project Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following grantors:
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act
- Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
- Lincolnshire Garden Club
- Office of Lieutenant Governor, Illinois
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Conservation 2000 Ecosystems Program
Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.
The Welcome Center is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the following Friday, December 24 (open a.m. only) and December 25. Ryerson Conservation Area is open 365 days a year. |
