Ryerson Woods Education Facility

Nestled within the flatwoods along the Des Plaines River, the Ryerson Woods 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. The use of wood reinforces the project’s connection to its natural setting, reinforcing a visual and tactile continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Phius ZERO Certification

The Ryerson Woods Educational Facility has earned Phius ZERO certification, representing one of the most rigorous standards for energy efficiency and carbon-neutral performance. Designed to operate at net zero energy, the facility incorporates a 23.8kW rooftop solar array that offsets 100% of its annual energy consumption. High-efficiency HVAC systems with energy recovery ventilation, advanced insulation techniques, and triple-pane, low-emissivity windows dramatically reduce heating and cooling loads. As the first Phius-certified passive house in the U.S. to feature integrated bird-friendly glass, the facility reflects a holistic approach to sustainability—combining advanced building performance with a commitment to wildlife conservation and ecological design.

Phius ZERO Certification

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.