The Intermodal Transportation Center incorporates several environmental features that will reduce energy consumption, mitigate storm water runoff and generate all of its own energy. It is designed to be “net-zero”. In addition, it will be a tangible example for other ecologically-minded urban projects in Syracuse.
The parking lot for 100 cars will be anchored by a large water retention basin mitigating the storm water run-off from within the site. Five parking spaces will be designated for hybrid vehicles and another five will be equipped with car chargers for electric vehicle re-charging. A solar PV armature at the south edge of the parking lot will provide electricity to maintain the lighting and car charging stations.
Solar power monitoring will be displayed to the general public, showing current usage as well as power being generated. By adjusting orientation to changing sun angles, the adapting structure will visually demonstrate seasonal optimization. The PV Solar Array will provide renewable energy to support all of the ITC equipment, as well as the LED parking lot lighting and Electric Car Charging Stations. Furthermore, it will be tied to the sites electrical system, allowing the overall site to benefit from any excess power that is generated.
The ITC project will collect site-generated storm water run-off in a shallow basin that will encourage evaporation as well as transpiration through its use of native plantings. A controlled outflow connects the basin to the city’s combined storm sewer system. As designed, this system will maintain storm water outflow at, or below allowable limits.
