Tompkins County SPCA

from 15 reviews.

The First "Green" Shelter!
In Spring of 2004, the SPCA opened the Dorothy Park Pet Adoption Center, a sheltering facility that provides dogs and cats with comfortable home-like settings, access to natural light, and health promoting independent air systems. The Adoption Center also has a surgery suite, and 12 acres of dog walking, training and play spaces. Registered as the nation's first "green" animal shelter (U.S. Green Building Council) for its environmental emphasis, earth friendly adaptations, and sustainable design, the facility is "good for people, good for animals, and good for the planet."

Completed in June 2004, the Dorothy Park Pet Adoption Center is the nation’s first animal shelter certified by the U.S. Green Building Council under its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines, for its emphasis on sustainable site planning, safeguarding water and water efficiency, energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Some of the “green” aspects of the Pet Adoption Center include:

geothermal heating and cooling (uses earth’s natural heat);
doggy playroom floors made out of recycled tires;
siding made out of post-consumer recycled material;
ability to shut down cooling and heating to empty animal spaces thereby conserving energy use;
zero use of ozone-depleting CFCs;
95% of spaces can use natural ventilation through barn doors/windows;
skylighting and windows to reduce need for energy use in lighting;
no ozone depleting HCCs or Halons in fire suppression or HVAC systems;
non-formaldehyde emitting materials in cabinets (and recycled material where feasible);
use of salvaged material in acoustic ceilings;
use of recycled gypsum board;
recycled tiles in grooming room, kitchen and aluminum windows;
minimal wood use, and where used, approved under Forest Stewardship Council Guidelines for harvest sustainability;
minimal disturbance of local wetlands;
Energy Star-rated roof;
use of native trees and grasses in landscaping;
low-flush and water use sinks and toilets.

Information provided by the owner