Rapidly Renewable Resources

Environmental Mission > LEED Gold Welcoming Center > Eco-Friendly Construction

Rapidly renewable resources are materials that are made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-year or shorter cycle. This type of resource regenerates itself faster than the demand for the product. Wherever possible, we used this type of resource instead of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuel-based plastics or slowly regenerating resources like old growth wood.

Here is a rundown of rapidly renewable materials found in our Welcome Center and their applications:

• Straw Bale: Over 1000 bales of rice straw were used in the construction of the outer walls of the Center. Visit our Straw Bale Page for a more in-depth discussion of the straw bale construction.

 

• Meadowboard: These flat, 4-by-8 foot plywood-like panels make up the ceiling in our lobby and bookstore. The boards are made from the ryegrass stems that remain after seed harvest, providing a rapidly renewable alternative to wood. In fact, these boards have strength, insulation, acoustic, and fire rating values that are superior to the properties of many wood products! Meadowboard is also naturally visually appealing; so there’s no need for a covering of paint, wallpaper, or veneer, avoiding possibly toxic or carcinogenic substances.

 

• Sunflower Seed Board: Another plywood-type material, these boards contain 100% sunflower hulls and comprise many countertops, cabinet faces, and signs found throughout the building, including restroom and room name signs. Much like Meadowboard, this a beautiful, visually textured alternative to wood products. Because the material is not waterproof (again, like plywood) the counters are topped with metal or glass in the food service areas.

 

• Wheat Board Cabinetry: The third plywood-type board found in our building, wheat board was used for shelving and cabinetry throughout the building. Like the last two, it provides a rapidly renewable, attractive alternative to wood products.