Evanston Ecology Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification

Nestled within Ladd Arboretum, the renovation preserves the character of the existing building while transforming it into a high performing, all electric community resource. The design integrates electrification, high efficiency mechanical systems, reclaimed materials, native landscaping, and water conservation strategies to reduce environmental impact and strengthen the building's relationship with its natural setting.

The project's sustainable design strategies have delivered measurable results, including a projected 29 percent improvement in modeled energy performance, a 27.1 percent reduction in energy use compared to an ASHRAE 90.1 baseline building, and a 35 percent reduction in indoor potable water use.

Achieving LEED Gold reflects a collaborative design process centered on stewardship, performance, and the adaptive reuse of an existing community asset. Rather than replacing what already existed, the project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can extend the life of a building while advancing ambitious environmental goals and creating healthier, more resilient spaces for the community.

Nurture is proud to have partnered with the City of Evanston and the entire project team to bring this vision to life and support the City's commitment to a more sustainable future.