CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Amazing Space, Indian Creek Nature Center’s headquarters located in Southeast Cedar Rapids, was selected from a field of international nominees to receive the prestigious Technology Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The award was given for Amazing Space’s integrated approach pairing low-energy building systems along with high performing renewable generation systems.
The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements for projects which have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality. Performance is proven through one year’s actual, verifiable operating data.
“We are proud to be recognized by ASHRAE for our progressive and innovative building design,” Indian Creek Nature Center Executive Director John Myers said. “To stand out on an international level is an impressive accomplishment and demonstrates the value of our vision for Amazing Space and shows the potential and direct value renewable energy has for this community.”
“This award is the result of a team effort between Indian Creek Nature Center, Design Engineers, and the rest of the project team.” said Jean Weidenheft, Director of Land Stewardship and Amazing Space Project Manager. “We worked hard to design, build, and operate a building that is energy efficient and has great air quality for the benefit of our visitors, volunteers, and employees.”
The award was presented at the ASHRAE winter conference in Atlanta, Georgia in January. Indian Creek Nature Center Executive Director John Myers and Design Engineers Project Manager Tim Lentz accepted the award on behalf of the entire staff, board, and project team.
“Design Engineers has embraced the technology and design approaches needed to create buildings that give back as much energy as they use,” said Dwight Schumm, Managing Principal at Design Engineers. “Zero Energy buildings like the Indian Creek Nature Center and our own offices in Cedar Rapids are on the cutting edge of what our buildings are capable of.”
About Indian Creek Nature Center:
Located in Cedar Rapids, Indian Creek Nature Center is Iowa’s first and only privately owned and operated non-profit nature center. With 500 acres of land under its management, the Nature Center hosts thousands of visitors each year for nature-based programs and activities. The mission of the Indian Creek Nature Center is to promote a sustainable future by nurturing individuals through environmental education, providing leadership in land protection and restoration, and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.
About ASHRAE:
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s build environment today.
About Design Engineers:
Established in Cedar Rapids in 1983, Design Engineers partners with building owners, architects, and construction teams to craft Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Safety and Technology systems for their most important and challenging projects. DE designs intelligent systems so buildings can run efficiently and effectively.