Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, New York, USA

Omega Center for Sustainable Living was built on a former landfill site in the village of Rhinebeck in 2006, Omega Center for Sustainable Living is a modern symbolization of sustainable architecture and environmentally friendly methods of constructing. The world-famous Omega is also an educational center which proposes programs specially created for teachers, architects, etc, and a water reclamation facility with use of low energy and zero chemicals.

The main achievement of the Сenter is that the highly-efficient building produces more electricity than needed, with the help of 200 photovoltaic solar panels. The heating and cooling systems run on renewable sources of energy. Mainly built of concrete and brick, Omega Center for Sustainable Living earned two most prestigious awards of sustainable design – LEED Platinum certification and Living Building Challenge. The eco-friendly building which was designed by BNIM Architects is owned by Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. The building also features the so-called Eco Machine – a nature-influenced technology for wastewater treatment, designed by John Todd Ecological Design.

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am

Photos: www.architizer.com