The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (chinco.fws.gov">) in Virginia has received a White House "Closing the Circle" Award for its environmentally sustainable design and construction.
"I am very proud to announce this special award earned by the professional staff and the community partners of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge," Interior Secretary Gale Norton said. "This facility represents a new standard in innovative technology and sustainable design. Every day, this facility demonstrates how we can improve upon our stewardship of our natural resources and provide a welcome and educational place for visitors."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration with local community members, refuge visitors, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service designed the facility to minimize its impact on the environment. Environmentally friendly features at the facility include a geothermal heating and cooling system, natural lighting and ventilation, solar power, energy efficient lighting, and highly efficient water fixtures.
In keeping with its conservation mission, the Service also designed the center to minimize its impact on fish and wildlife resources at the refuge. The buildings are located on a part of the refuge that was already disturbed. Additionally, the plants used in landscaping are all native to Assateague and provide important food and shelter to its wildlife.
In addition to the White House award, the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center and the people involved in its construction have received the following awards and recognition:
National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Leadership Award, 2004
Refuge of the Year Environmental Award, 2004
Virginia Environmental Stewardship Award, 2004
Facilities and Asset Management Award, 2004
Federal Energy Saver Showcase Award, 2003
Federal Energy and Water Management Award, 2003
Gold Award for Excellence in Architecture, 2001
The center opened to the public in October 2003. It houses an exhibit hall, 130-seat auditorium, classroom and wet laboratory, teacher resource room, wildlife observation area, and other visitor services. The administrative building for the refuge contains offices, conference rooms, and GIS and wet laboratories.
The Office of Federal Environmental Executive (/www.ofee.gov), which oversees the White House "Closing the Circle" awards program, works to promote sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the federal government.
