Environmental Nature Center
1601 East 16TH Street
Newport Beach, CA

Gentosi completed construction in June 2008 on the new state-of-the-art learning center at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. This 8,500 square foot facility achieved the highest level of "GREEN" building certification - LEED Platinum - THE FIRST LEED PLATINUM BUILDING IN ORANGE COUNTY. This LEED award is the highest designation available to buildings that demonstrate energy efficiency and sustainability, and this project is one of fewer than 100 buildings worldwide to receive this designation.

The project consists of two buildings; one includes a museum featuring many exhibits illustrating California's biodiversity along with classrooms and retail store; the second building houses the administrative offices, library and meeting room. This new learning center is surrounded by 3.5 acres of native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails and a butterfly house.

Visitors to the Center will see examples of sustainable practices in the form of natural ventilation, reduced water usage, use of locally manufactured and recycled materials, and on-site energy production by a photovoltaic array and wind turbine.