Ryerson Education Facility

Nestled within the flatwoods along the Des Plaines River, the Ryerson Education Facility acts as a beacon of both ecological education and environmental stewardship for the Lake County Forest Preserves and region at large. In addition to supporting educational programs in partnership with local schools and community organizations, the net-zero energy building serves as a trailhead for the surrounding 565-acre Ryerson Woods Conservation Area. Funded through a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, the facility achieved Phius ZERO certification and uses 80% less energy than a comparable code-compliant building.

Building a highly energy-efficient, net-zero building to serve as our new Education Center was important to the Forest Preserves, but so was protecting the natural resources and wildlife surrounding it. The Ryerson Education Center is the first PHIUS certified passive house building in the U.S. with integrated bird-friendly glass. Alyssa Firkus

Director of Education, Lake County Forest Preserves

Emphasizing a deep connection to nature, the center’s design incorporates locally sourced materials and a layout that harmonizes with the landscape. The building’s orientation and materials were carefully selected to minimize environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. Features such as a 23.8kW rooftop solar panel system, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and triple-pane windows contribute to its net-zero energy goal. The facility is the first Phius-certified passive house building in the U.S. with integrated bird-friendly glass, reflecting a commitment to both energy efficiency and wildlife conservation.

The Ryerson Woods Conservation Area supports some of Illinois’ most pristine woodlands and several  threatened and endangered species. The story of preservation of this fragile ecosystem is told by the building through active demonstration of water conservation, energy production, and bird-friendly, resilient material selection. A real-time energy dashboard shows how the building is generating and using energy in real-time while interior and exterior signage showcases the impact of environmental stewardship and energy-efficient decisions. The building also serves as a trailhead for exploring the conservation area.

The center offers a variety of educational programs, including field trips for schools and scout groups, as well as public events throughout the year. Its two classrooms, virtual teaching space, and a 900-square-foot screened-in outdoor classroom provide versatile spaces for learning. The design emphasizes transparency and openness, with large windows offering views of the surrounding forest. Materials such as wood and stone were chosen to reflect the natural environment, creating a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior spaces.