Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies

Mission and Guiding Principles

Program and Tour Information

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Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies

Opened to students in September 2005, the Kirsch Center is the lead demonstration building for energy innovation and sustainability in the California Community College system.  The philosophy of this facility is  "a building that teaches about energy, resources and stewardship."

The area of the two-story building is approximately 22,000 gross square feet.  This project exemplifies the next generation of educational innovation. Parts of the building are potentially an around-the-clock, 24-7 facility. In addition to high quality classrooms and labs, students can work in self-paced programs at special open study stations throughout the building. 

The Kirsch Center meets the requirements of a LEED Silver Certified Sustainable Building as established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Publications about the Kirsch Center

• New! Kirsch Center Featured in ArchitectureWeek
• CBE Livable Buildings Award 2007 Submission
• A 17-Year Odyssey from Campus Vision to Architectural Fulfillment

Energy Goals

The primary energy design goals for the Kirsch Center include:

1. Maximize the use of on-site environmental energies.
2. Minimize the use of “purchased” energy originating exterior to the site.
3. Assure thermal and visual comfort.
4. Support the flexibility of use of classroom, laboratory and conference spaces.
5. Minimize the environmental emissions caused by the manufacture of construction materials, actual construction, and lifetime use of the building.

Other Building Features

• Solar panel roof
• Advanced natural ventilation (West Wing)
• Raised floor for gentle air distribution and flexibility (East Wing)
• Natural daylighting
• Orientation and layout for energy efficiency and passive solar benefits
• Water conservation and water runoff control
• Radiant heating and cooling (West Wing)
• Native species landscaping

Facility Layout and Highlights

• Energy Exhibit Hall
• Large Lecture Classroom (100 students) and Small Lecture Classroom (48 students)
• Mediated Learning Classroom (48 students)
• Statewide Energy Management Program (SEMP) Lab (32 students)
• Biodiversity Program Lab – John Muir Institute of Natural Sciences (32 students)
• The Max (open learning spaces) for mediated learning
• Study Tutorial Areas and Student Learning Resource Center
• Division and Faculty Offices
• Astronomy Observation Deck, Solar Plaza and Outdoor Study Areas
• Stewardship Resource Center
• See our brochure about the Kirsch Center to learn more about these areas.

Kirsch Center Tour Information

Students and the general public are always welcome at the Kirsch during normal working hours! To schedule a tour or to learn more about our programs, please contact:

Pat Cornely
Executive Director
Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies
Room KC 218
408.864.8628

Julie Phillips
Morgan Family Chair in Environmental Studies
Room KC 219
408.864.8655

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