To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina’s Botanical Garden is going green in more ways than one.

"This garden has always been about conservation and sustainability and it was a natural outgrowth of our mission,” said Peter White, garden director. “We try to show people how to live best with the environment."

The completion of the new 30,000 square foot education center is a milestone for North Carolina. The building was designed with LEED certifications in mind, so if it achieves the platinum status, which is the highest level, it will be the first public building to do so.

For example, the $12.5 million center will be partially powered by solar panels. There are also rainwater containers.

Offices were designed to allow as much natural light as possible to come through, and even the steel beams were made of scrap metal that came from automobiles.

White says it’s all worth the added upfront costs.

"The cost will be paid back in a short period,” said White. “For example, the geothermal heat exchange system will be paid back within five to seven years and after that, we'll be saving money forever."

State leaders say the education center is a good example of what is possible.

"What better place to showcase what you can do with an investment upfront to save the environment and save money long term,” said Gov. Perdue. “It's about the economy and the environment. It's jobs for North Carolina."