The net zero energy office and research lab at the Watsonville Water Resource Center is a functional, educational, and visual extension of the water recycling plant it supports for the City of Watsonville. The 16,000 SF building includes administrative offices, a water quality research lab, educational space and a design that puts the story of water in California on display. Its systems and landscape serve to educate the public through exhibitions and guided tours and features rainwater harvesting and water recycling. IDeAs Consulting performed the electrical engineering for the building including power distribution, a sophisticated daylighting skylight design, high performance lighting and controls and data/communications infrastructure. The project won an AIA COTE Top 10 Award and is LEED Platinum Certified and NBI Zero Energy verified.
