When Ramsey County set out to reimagine how residents could reduce waste and protect the environment, McGough was called upon to deliver a facility that would set a new benchmark for sustainability and community engagement. The result is a purpose-built, forward-thinking hub that makes it easier than ever for residents to reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle, while also serving as a model for environmentally responsible design and construction.
Completed in less than 18 months after breaking ground in Fall 2023, the Environmental Center is now open year-round to the public. The project’s scope was broad and ambitious: design and construct a center for collecting household recyclables and hazardous waste, provide facilities for public reuse of suitable items, create flexible spaces for community education, and accommodate administrative operations. The site was thoughtfully developed to include staff and public parking, customer queueing, truck maneuvering, outdoor educational areas, and robust stormwater management systems.
Sustainability at the Core
From the outset, sustainable design and construction practices were prioritized, making the Environmental Center one of the region’s most environmentally friendly public facilities. Key sustainable features include:
- Geothermal Energy: Harnessing the earth’s stable temperature, a geothermal system provides efficient heating and cooling for the building, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Solar Power: Rooftop solar panels supply renewable energy directly to the facility, further lowering its carbon footprint.
- Stormwater Management: A newly constructed infiltration basin collects and filters rainwater runoff from roofs, parking lots, and driveways. This system removes pollutants before water enters local rivers and lakes, protecting precious water resources.
- Reused Materials: The outdoor education space is paved with salvaged pavers from University Avenue, originally removed during Metro Transit’s Green Line light rail construction. This creative reuse honors the region’s history while reducing material waste.
- Compost-Enriched Landscaping: Approximately 1,770 cubic yards of compost, made from food scraps, were integrated into the landscape design, enriching the soil and closing the loop on organic waste.
- Built to Minnesota’s B3 Sustainable Building 2030 Standards: The facility incorporates rigorous energy reduction targets, advanced material sustainability practices, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure long-term environmental efficiency and compliance.
A Hub for Community Learning and Reuse
The Environmental Center is more than a drop-off site. It’s a vibrant community resource. Education and community rooms host meetings, events, and signature programs like Fix-It Clinics, where residents can bring in broken household items and clothing to be repaired with the help of volunteers. This hands-on approach empowers residents to extend the life of their belongings, reducing waste and fostering a culture of sustainability.
A Lasting Impact
By integrating advanced sustainable technologies, creative reuse of materials, and a strong focus on community education, the Ramsey County Environmental Center stands as a testament to what is possible when environmental stewardship and public service go hand in hand. McGough is proud to have partnered with Ramsey County to deliver a facility that will serve and inspire the community for generations to come.
