Omniplan designed the 20,000 square foot training facility for the city of Dallas.  The building serves as an on-site landfill laboratory and tranining center that demonstrates ecologically sound techniques that reduce pollution and minimize waste. In keeping with the environmental mission of the project, Omniplan used sustainable building practices that helped this plan achieve LEED™ (Leadership in Energy in Environmental Design) Silver certification. Recycled materials were used during construction wherever feasible; trees were planted on the east and west sides to shade the building from early morning and late afternoon sun; and the building’s shape and orientation were fine-tuned to allow for ambient natural lighting without excessive glare or heat gain.

The building was developed on a previous Brownfield site with an area containing approximately 89 acres that had traditionally been an illegal dumping ground and lacked economic activity or development.

Basic sustainable principles were the primary factors in determining the form of the building.  In Dallas it is important to limit direct solar exposure which can significantly increase energy expended to cool the building.  However, maximizing the amount of direct or reflected sunlight entering the building adds little heat while reducing the amount of energy, while reducing the amount of energy needed to provide artificial lighting.  

The project features indirect overhead lighting int he primary classroom and offices spaces.  These fixtures provide a more even light distribution than standard fixtures.  Also included are clerestory windows facing north and south that provide additional indirect light into the inner areas of the building.  Many of the windows can be opened, providing localized temperature control.  These windows combined with roof vents provide an effective natural ventilation system for the building.