The ECC serves as the Campus of Excellence for Career and Technical Education, with this project allowing for the overdue expansions of the automotive technology and business information programs. Three distinct single-story buildings and three covered repair areas were added for a total of 52,600 sq. ft. New repair bays, drive-in spray paint booths, shops, labs, classrooms, demonstration theatres, and other learning spaces support Automotive Technology, Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair, Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Upholstery, Graphic Printing Technology, Computer Graphic Arts, Cisco Lab, Business Information Technology and Welding Technology programs. The facility includes computer research space, a technical repair library and parts storage, along with office space for faculty and staff.
The project incorporates a number of sustainable features:
· The orientation of the complex was designed to maximize both daylight and views to the outside. Daylight will be available to 90% of the space, which increases user comfort and reduces the need for artificial lighting. Views to the outdoors will be available for 95% of the spaces, improving user comfort and productivity.
· High efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption by over 40% as compared to a standard building. High efficiency fixtures reduce the amount of electricity used.
· Indoor air quality is optimized through the use of natural ventilation, carbon dioxide monitors, low chemical-emitting materials and finishes, and walk-off mats to control dirt from entering the building.
· Over 75% of the construction waste will be recycled and diverted from landfills. A high percentage of new construction materials will be from recycled content.
· Trees and shrubs have been selected for their compatibility to the area, to provide shade and to minimize the need for water. A high efficiency irrigation system utilizes a controller that adjusts itself to the local weather.
· A sustainable education program will be implemented so that building itself can be used as a teaching tool on the benefits of sustainable design.
· Exterior lighting is carefully placed to minimize light pollution to nearby residences.