The Buchan Building incorporates many features that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and make more efficient use of our finite natural resources. Some of these include:

• The use of greenhouse gas-free mechanical equipment in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
• High energy efficient building systems (HVAC, elevator, and lighting)
• Increased use of perimeter glazing to reduce lighting needs
• Sensors that will monitor available outside light and dim the interior lights accordingly
• The use of CMU block (Cement Masonry Units) which serves as both a structural element and an interior finish, reducing the volume of materials required for construction; also sourced and manufactured within 50 miles of site
• Bricks made locally – to minimize fuel consumption with long-distance shipping
• Low or no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in adhesives, sealants, paints, and furnishings to improve indoor air quality
• The use of Marmoleum flooring in many parts of the building – consists of naturally sourced materials (cork, plant resins and pitches, wood flour, limestone, organic pigments and plant fibers)
• Occupant sensors turn off lights, heating, and air conditioning when rooms are unoccupied
• Low flow water fixtures and dual flush toilets reduce water consumption and waste creation
• Stormwater planters treat roof runoff
• High-reflective roof to minimize building heat gain and external “heat island effect”
• The use of recycled materials such as recycled cotton insulation (from jeans and other fabric sources unusable as clothing), “Paper Stone” countertops (from recycled shopping bags), carpet tiles (from recycled plastic bottles) – and are recyclable at end of use
• The use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood cabinetry, trim, and flooring
• Waste minimization – Over 90% of the waste from the old buildings that were demolished to make way for the new building were recycled or otherwise diverted from the landfill

These features not only save energy and resources, they return long-term savings to the church in the form of lower operating costs. Most importantly they are concrete examples about how to lessen our impact on the earth.