Net Zero Building is a Global Model for Sustainability and Picture Perfect Backdrop for Special Events
This year, as we honor the planet during Earth Month and Earth Day, it’s normal to feel climate anxiety, especially if you read the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. That’s why we are sharing some positive news about how the Frick Environmental Center (FEC) is one of the greenest buildings in the world!
The FEC is a public welcome facility, education hub, and gateway to Frick Park that has earned the Living Building Certification, through dedication to sustainability, and has also achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum.
Some of the ways that the FEC commits to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is by running off of energy provided by the sun and Earth, making it completely net zero. Additionally, water cascades down an outdoor art ravine on rainy days, and is reused in the building, after being captured by cisterns and barrels.
We caught up with our Event Sales Coordinator, Katie King, to learn about the many ways visitors can use this state-of-the-art building for special events. Check out the interview below!
Can you tell us about the types of events people can host at the FEC?
Katie King: The FEC hosts a variety of public and private events! Our classroom spaces can accommodate events such as staff retreats and meetings that require AV equipment for presentations. Our outdoor patio and amphitheater space are perfect locations for graduations, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, and more! Our preferred vendors do a wonderful job of transforming our main floor of the FEC into magical celebrations, galas, wedding receptions – and the floor-length windows and balcony overlooking into Frick Park are a bonus to any event!
What makes the FEC unique as a venue?
KK: The FEC is one of the few certified (and public) Living Buildings in the area. When you roam around the FEC, you start to realize all the details that make it truly special and unique. The building was designed to blend in with the trees and nature that surround it. All the wooden benches and furniture in the building are repurposed from actual trees, and the different sized windows are made to mimic the forest itself. When you host your event at the FEC, it’s like you are in the heart of nature!
It seems events are filling up quickly, what should someone interested in hosting an event do?
KK: If you are interested in booking the FEC, we recommend inquiring at least four to six months prior to your event date. The advance request allows time for you to organize all the amenities you are hoping for, and also helps manage stress which often comes due to reduced planning time.
Check out our rentals page or get in contact with Katie, at kking@pittsburghparks.org.
You can take a deeper dive into learning more about the FEC here.
Plus, below are various ways you can get involved and learn more about the FEC:
- Attend programs at the FEC
- Check out the interactive sustainability dashboard
- Host your next event at the FEC
- Are you a teacher? Learn about our immersive education program
- Contact Ellen Conrad, Naturalist Educator, (econrad@pittsburghparks.org) for more information.