Practicing what you preach is often difficult, but nearly always rewarding. We at Conservation Consultants believe that our home, The CCI Center epitomizes this philosophy...
History
In 1993, having expanded beyond the space available at our Highland Park location, CCI's management and board initiated a search for a new home for the organization. Desiring to showcase the renovation potential of existing structures in the urban environment, the search lead us to a building located in Pittsburgh's historic South Side originally constructed in 1910. The facility represented the rich, progressive manufacturing history of Pittsburgh and was selected as an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse to the energy efficient, environmental showcase we are so proud to own.
Conceived as a resource hub to highlight the benefits of environmentally sound green building practices, energy efficiency and intended for use by organizations friendly to the environment, the building serves as a living laboratory showing people working in harmony with the built environment. Initial renovation and occupancy was completed in 1993 and followed up with a 2,300 square foot addition in 1998. It is a fitting testament to the knowledge, vision and dedication of CCI's board and staff that in 2005 the US Green Building Council awarded the CCI Center with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD-Existing Building (EB) certification.
Recent Innovations
Never content to sit on our accomplishments, CCI continues to adapt the Center with innovative demonstration projects intended to showcase and educate our mission of responsible energy and resource use in homes and buildings:
- In 2008 we installed a flat-plate solar Domestic Hot Water Heating (DHW) system. This system provides roughly 24% of the energy needed to heat CCI's hot water.
- Also in 2008 we deployed a 1,700 square foot extensive, modular green roof. The green roof provides:
- Reduced cooling load by keeping the hot summer sun off the black rubber roof
- Regional benefits through reduced storm water runoff and "heat islanding"
- ... and an aesthetically pleasing place to take a break
- In 2009 we doubled the size of our photovoltaic solar electric system. We also improved our tracking and display capabilities to better demonstrate this technology. The system provides up to 15% of our monthly electricity.
- In 2011 the CCI Center was awarded with an ENERGYSTAR certification by the US Department of Energy. ENERGYSTAR certification indicates that our facility performs better than 75% of all similar buildings nationwide!
Green Building Features
Building highlights include:
- High-efficiency ENERGY STAR Furnaces and Chillers
- Exposed ventilation ductwork throughout
- T-8 and compact fluorescent lighting throughout
- Plenty of natural daylighting
- Stairwells that buffer workspaces from outdoor temperature extremes
- Generous numbers of recycling containers provided by our tenant and partner, the Pennsylvania Resources Council
- A modular, extensive Green Roof
- A Solar Domestic Hot Water Heating System
- Three Solar Photovoltaic Arrays that generate electricity
- An interactive kiosk to demonstrate the power produced by the Photovoltaic Arrays
- Energy and water use demonstrations
- Zero VOC paints and finishes
- And much, much more...
Touring and Renting the CCI Center
If you or your group is interested in learning about our green building, please contact our Education Coordinator, Indigo Raffel at 412-431-4449 x214 to arrange for a tour.
If your business or group is in need of an environmentally friendly venue to hold a press conference, conduct a business meeting, or hold training classes, the CCI Center may be right for you. Conveniently situated in the South Side of Pittsburgh, our conference room provides plenty of natural lighting, configurable work surfaces, an adjacent kitchen and wireless internet access all at a reasonable hourly or daily rates.
View conference room configurations and amenities.
For questions or additional information, contact CCI's Coordinator Marlene Walsh at 412-431-4449 x202 or download our
Rental Agreement Form.
Where is the CCI Center Located?
64 South 14th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Click Here for directions to the CCI Center