The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance has announced that the new Spirit of Africa Exhibit at the International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, has been named as a recipient of the 2009 SE2 Leadership Award. The SE2 Award program recognizes leadership in energy efficient and sustainable design, construction and operation of Wisconsin commercial and other non-residential buildings and related systems. The goal is to encourage greater collaboration among owners, designer, builders and operators by highlighting the value of projects that enhance the build environment.
The Spirit of Africa Exhibit was selected from more than 20 entries by a jury panel of experts to receive the Focus on Energy Award of Excellence. This award is presented for exceptional achievement and overall excellence.
The project is comprised of five acres and includes five buildings and four exhibits. Features include natural day-lighting for interiors, a solar photovoltaic electric system, a high-mass solar hot water heating system, solar powered water pumps, solar powered electric fencing, and an air-to-air heat recovery and air exchange system. The architecture is designed to capture and reuse rainwater from both the building roof and from a recycled glass pervious pavement water collection and distribution system. Recycled materials are used for all seating and storage benches and low maintenance native prairie plant species are employed throughout the exhibit.
The jury noted that the project was probably “energy-positive considering the efficiency of the architecture,” producing more energy than it consumes.