Education Green Restoration/Renovation

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center Renovation Completed

Boston – Schneider Electric announced its collaboration with UHL to enable the efficient use of energy at the recently completed, first-of-its-kind renovation project at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.

Founded in 1971, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center is the first environmental learning center in the nation to be accredited as a K-12 school and is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in environmental education. The Lodge is the first renovation project in the world, the first building in Minnesota and only the 30th building worldwide to receive the coveted Living Building Challenge (LBC) global certification by the International Living Future Institute.

Maintenance for the facility has been completely redone. With access to building data anytime, anywhere on smartphones, tablets or laptops, the facilities team gains visibility across the campus and all rooms, saving time and resources. Instead of having to physically walk the campus and check 25 thermostats, the staff can see all points on their screen to manage operations easily and efficiently.

This renovation added additional square footage, yet did not increase the heating demands, allowing the MAC Lodge to generate more energy than it consumes. This helps the building to keep earning net-positive water and net-positive energy ratings, a key component of earning the Living Building Challenge certification.

UHL, through its partnership with architecture and design client HGA, served as an integral team member on the Wolf Ridge project, starting at the onset in 2014 through completion of the complex renovation in 2018.