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A free open house is taking place at the Ryerson Education Center in Riverwoods from 2–4 pm, Saturday, September 28.

Located within Ryerson Conservation Area, this net-zero energy building is designed to produce as much energy as it uses annually.

Visitors will have the opportunity to drop in to meet the planning and environmental education teams, who were key in shaping both the building's design and the programs happening in this new space. Light refreshments and cookies will be provided.

"Building a highly energy-efficient, net-zero building to serve as our new Education Center was important to the Forest Preserves, but so was protecting the natural resources and wildlife surrounding it," Director of Education Alyssa Firkus said. "The Ryerson Education Center is the first Phius-certified passive house building in the U.S. with integrated bird-friendly glass."

A variety of programs focused on the sustainability features of this building are available. These programs use the Education Center as the learning resource for public tours and school programs for all ages.

The Education Center was funded through a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, support from Abbott, North Shore Gas, Medline Industries, Kevin and Jean Froeter, private donations and the residents of Lake County.

"We want to raise the bar and set the example when it comes to green buildings and environmental sustainability,” said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Our goal is that this new building will become a viable model of long-lasting energy-efficient design.”

Attend the FREE Open House    Read More in Horizons Magazine

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