Innovative, sustainable design solutions were incorporated in pursuit of LEED Gold Certification. Design challenges included redeveloping an EPA-designated brownfield site; diverting more than 75% of construction materials and waste from landfills; reducing energy consumption by 25%; mitigating the heat island effect through highly reflective parking and roof materials; providing natural daylight and stimulating views; eliminating the use of potable water in flush systems by reuse of backwash from the swimming pool; and providing bottle fillers at all water fountains to promote the reuse of bottles.
The Robert D. Love Downtown YMCA has not only aided Wichita’s revitalization efforts, but also has had a positive effect on the YMCA’s membership.
