Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a recognized global leader in sustainability and green building design. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is now home to one of the greenest buildings on the planet. Phipps’ next project, an Exhibit Staging Center designed to certify under the Living Building Challenge, as well as LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum, will begin construction soon. Phipps, which achieved Living Building Certification for its Center for Sustainable Landscapes in 2015 A LEED Platinum certified building, the Phipps Conservatory developed the Center for Sustainable Landscapes mandating net-zero energy, waste, and water usage. “The CSL must be occupied and operated successfully for 12 months before it can be officially recognized as a living building,” explains Richard Piacentini, executive director of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Its purpose is to educate and entertain the people of Pittsburgh with formal gardens (Roman, English, etc.) Phipps Conservatory's Exhibit Staging Center as seen from behind the main Phipps building, looking toward Schenley Park. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is now home to one of the greenest buildings on the planet. The Center for Sustainable Landscapes at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was designed to achieve net-zero energy status on an annual basis, meaning that, over the course of a year, it is expected to produce more energy than it consumes. In 2012, Phipps reached new heights with the opening of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL), which was the first and remains the only facility in the world to meet four of the highest green building standards: Living Building Challenge™, WELL Building Platinum, Four-Stars Sustainable SITES™ and LEED® Platinum. However, the Phipps Conservatory’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL), located in Pittsburgh, may soon join this elite list. Phipps Conservatory “Living Building” – Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Phipps has met the world's most rigorous standards in green buildings, providing significant knowledge and expertise in sustainable design, construction and maintenance. A world leader in sustainable innovation, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has designed and constructed one of the greenest buildings in the world, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL). Bill O'Driscoll / 90.5 WESA View Slideshow 2 of 5 The mission of the organization is evident in the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL). Phipps-Water 1 of 14. The gardens were founded in 1893 by steel and real-estate magnate Henry Phipps as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has opened its new Exhibit Staging Center (ESC), a run-down public works garage that was transformed into a green building. Phipps-Water 1 of 14. Built to meet the Living Building Challenge, Phipps Conservatory's new Center for Sustainable Landscapes opens next month with a slew of stunning green features. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce that the SEED Classroom has achieved the esteemed Living Building Challenge™ Petal Certification from the International Living Future Institute.