Roaring Fork Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability will be evidenced in the design, construction and operations of the River Center. As a proactive organization, Roaring Fork Conservancy will continue to work to reduce its ecological footprint in regards to natural resources while also keeping its operating costs and financial responsibilities to a minimum. The River Center will seek to be LEED certifiable and will employ the following techniques in meeting high sustainability standards:

Sustainable Site
• Facility built on reclaimed former brown field site
• Facility within ¼ of two major bus lines (RFTA local and future BRT lines)
• Provide locker/changing facilities for staff to commute to center via bicycle
• Minimizing impervious surfaces through materials selecting and possible green roof
• Zero light pollution leaves the building site 

Water Efficiency
• Water efficient toilets, faucets and features; waterless urinals
• Water efficient landscaping
• Interior water reclamation/recycling for exhibits 

Energy and Atmosphere
• Exceed energy efficiency requirements of local code by XX% (TBD)
• Generate XX% of building energy use on site (TBD)
• Purchase XX% of electric use from renewable sources (TBD)
• Building sited to maximize passive solar for heating and appropriate shading (trees, awnings, passive and/or active circulation/ventilation system, etc.) to provide cooling
• Integration of active solar photovoltaic and/or solar thermal technology
• Eliminate CFCs, HCFCs and/or Halon from refrigeration, cooling (HVAC), and fire suppression systems
• Provide monitoring systems (including sub-metering if necessary) to accurately determine energy use
• Purchase Energy Star rated appliances and use compact fluorescent bulbs, when appropriate
• Smart controls on lighting and ample day lighting 

Materials and Resources
• Potentially use recycled and/or salvaged building materials and materials from regional sources; certified wood when possible
• Possible green roofing system to improve insulation, runoff, visual impacts, etc.
• High R-value insulation, windows and doors
• Proved on-site collection and sorting of recyclables 

Indoor Environmental Quality • Low VOC paints, finishes and building materials
• Use of recycled carpet system, entrance grates to catch particulates
• Use HVAC system to create very high-quality indoor air quality and ventilation
• Provide a minimum of one operable window and one lighting control zone per 200 s.f. for all occupied areas within 15 feet of the perimeter wall
• Install permanent, zoned temperature and humidity controls 

Construction
• Sustainable construction practices such as busing workers to the job site; best management practices, proper site staging

In addition to green construction, the River Center will be a model for efficiency in paper product use, minimizing solid waste production, electronic publications, on-site recycling, and environmental-friendly products and services.