Sustainability

During the 2014 renovation at DCH, all of our roofing surfaces were removed and replaced with R30 value insulation to enhance energy conservation. A new ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) system replaced the older HVAC units in the lower level to further reduce heating and cooling loads and improve energy savings. Solar panels were installed on our roof as part of our projected plan to offset the energy needs of the expansion of the building and further reduce our carbon footprint.

Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells or PV cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. A typical photovoltaic system employs solar panels with each comprising a number of solar cells, which generate electrical power. Solar PV has specific advantages as an energy source since once it is installed, its operation generates no pollution and no greenhouse gas emissions. A 17kW photovoltaic array was installed during our renovation and went online in June 2016.

Storm water harvesting is the accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse onsite, rather than allowing it to run off onto street surfaces or directly into local waterways, such as the Brandywine River. DCH’s complete rain harvesting system collects rainwater from a portion of the building’s roof and stores it in our 1,100 gallon cistern tank. Then, harvested rainwater of appropriate quality is distributed for non-potable uses, such as raised vegetable bed irrigation and filling our DCH water truck to water newly-planted trees and plantings throughout Wilmington.

To further our efforts to reduce storm water runoff within the city and down to the Brandywine River, DCH has two (2) interconnected rain gardens at the back of our facility, adjacent to Conaty Park. These gardens connect to an existing storm water management system in Brandywine Park’s Rattlesnake Run. The rain gardens are based on ecological landscape design in an urban setting and demonstrate the efficacy of native plants’ ability to improve water quality, sustain beneficial pollinators, and educate a variety of audiences about conservation and preservation of ecological bio-diversity.

DCH’s Demonstration Garden, located at the back of our facility, aims to showcase urban horticulture at its best and features plants that are native and well-suited to our microclimates, provide year-round interest, and are locally available in garden centers and nurseries. The renovated garden continues to include creative re-use of structural materials and artifacts of historic value to Wilmington and features a newly restored garden gate, which was installed in 2018. The garden is designed and maintained by DCH staff and volunteers.

The base of the Infinity Green Roof is comprised of decking with a drainage layer, planted media (soil), and hardscape pavers. The total Green Roof area is 1,380 sq. ft., minus the IPE decking (464 sq. ft.). There is approximately 916 sq. ft. of planted area with soil media, which includes the hardscaping as it sits above filtration layers and rock wool. The surface was planted in 2017 with native vegetation, creating an oasis that overlooks the Demonstration Garden and Pavilion, Brandywine Park, and Conaty Park. This space provides a great outdoor setting for cocktail hours and special events.