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Green Building Features at Broadmoor
Converted from an antique horse barn built in 1911, the Saltonstall Nature Center, renovated in 1983, uses a variety of environment friendly materials and employs renewable resources as natural energy. The design harnesses natural ventilation, sunlight, and solar heating all working together to reduce energy consumption by 80 percent, as compared with usage in a conventional building of the same size.
In 1985, the Saltonstall Nature Center was recognized and received a Special Award for Energy Innovation from the US Department of Energy—one of 21 awards given nationwide.
It's all about conserving energy!
The ceiling and walls of the nature center are superinsulated and also contain a plastic sheet that lines the building with a draft-proof vapor barrier. With solar heat providing most of the winter heating needs, a woodstove provides additional heat as well. About one and a half cords of wood are burned in the woodstove each year.
The natural ventilation system continuously provides fresh air throughout the seasons. The combination of solar heat and superinsulation keeps the indoor temperature warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The Saltonstall Nature Center exhibits features composting toilets, which can save over 2.2 million gallons of water in a twenty year period. A Smart Storm system also conserves water; it collects and stores 1,200 gallons of rainwater from the building's roof, which is used for landscaping purposes around the sanctuary.
 To reduce the need for artificial lighting, the building attracts natural sunlight from the large picturesque windows and photovoltaic panels installed on the roof. Sunlight is absorbed into the building through the windows, and the photovoltaic panels convert the sunlight into electricity. Through this natural system, which utilizes the sun's energy, 100 percent of the building's electricity needs are met.
In 1981-83 Broadmoor raised the money for the nature center renovation. More than 700 individuals, foundations, and corporations contributed. The Nature Center is named the Saltonstall Nature Center in memory of Richard and Mary B. Saltonstall, who were committed local conservationists.
Come visit the Saltonstall Nature Center and see this amazing system at work! Also come enjoy Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary's nine miles of walking trails through a variety of woodland, field, and wetland habitats.
Details behind the Saltonstall Nature Center
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