Ramsey County Environmental Center
A New Model for Community-Centered Waste Solutions
The Ramsey County Environmental Center reimagines waste management by making recycling and reuse accessible, engaging, and educational. Designed for ease, community connection, and efficiency, the facility blends education, retail, and gathering spaces within a welcoming landscape.
Grounded in strong relationships and community engagement, early site selection and pre-design, led by LHB, prioritized equitable access, support for vulnerable populations, and spaces that reflect and communicate environmental values. LHB collaborated with McGough Construction, utilizing a design-build approach for final design. The fully integrated project team balanced complex site needs, focusing on circulation, stormwater management, and user experience—including public vehicle queuing, recycling and organics access, truck and staff routes, and safe paths for bikes and pedestrians.
Sustainable materials, habitat-friendly strategies, and educational signage—featuring rain barrels, recycled materials, and native plantings—reinforce the Center’s environmental mission. The landscape design supports habitat restoration and local ecosystems, while thoughtfully designed mechanical and electrical systems enhance the building’s high performance.
A Site Built on Its Own Principles
The design fosters a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Recycled asphalt forms the public pathways, reclaimed pavers define the outdoor classroom, and furnishings are made from low-carbon steel and responsibly sourced timber. Pollinator plantings, low-mow turf, and felled trees repurposed as woody debris further support habitat creation.
Designing For Sustainable Savings
The mechanical and electrical systems were carefully designed for efficiency and sustainability. The HVAC system uses a ground-source heat pump loop with interior heat pumps for conversion, while the office area features variable air volume and air-to-air energy recovery to precondition outside air. A rooftop photovoltaic array further reduces utility consumption and operating costs.
Smart Solutions for a Resilient, Accesible Site
Stormwater management was seamlessly integrated into site design, meeting City, watershed, and B3 standards. Solutions such as underground storage beneath the employee parking lot and a thoughtfully placed at-grade infiltration basin not only manage runoff but also support public use and protect natural resources—achieving functional efficiency while honoring the environment.
Designed for ease and flow, the drop-off area leads right into the sorting room.
Daylight strategies improve safety and visibility.
Energy-driven design delivers a safe, fossil-free, cost-effective asset.
Design includes space for education and community enrichment.
Users can explore, exchange, and reuse and the Center.
Thoughtfully designed loading bays streamline truck access for safer, more efficient operations.
