Administrative Offices
In March 2009, we built a new office on the property between our home, The Canticle, and our ministry, The Alverno Health Care Facility. Perched on a hill overlooking Springdale Drive, the building provides 11 offices, a workroom, a conference room, a parlor, a kitchenette and a full basement and all in a very environmentally friendly manner.
The building provides offices for the congregation's President, General Secretary and Treasurer, Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Finance, Development Director and Planned Giving Officer, Director of Communications, Coordinator of the Center for Active Nonviolence, and support personnel.
The Administrative Office was designed and built to reflect our commitment to care for the Earth by practicing and promoting conservation and mindful consumption and by working toward a sustainable way of living.
HVAC System
The Office is served by a geo-thermal heating, ventilating, water heating and air conditioning system. Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient heating / cooling system available today. There is no use of natural gas or fossil fuels.
Lighting
The hallways and interior rooms all have Solar tubes- domes on the roof which capture sunlight, reflect it and direct it into the building for reduction in electricity use. The Stratus Lights in the building are high-efficiency light fixtures using long-lasting T-8 fluorescent lamps. Interior windows bring natural lighting to the centrally located workroom.
The entryway to the Administrative office building is graced with a large, hand-built ceramic wall sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of the Clinton Franciscans.
The sculpture is a gift of the artist, Marianne Heames of Marino Valley, Calif.
Landscaping
Native flowers and trees have been planted around the building to enhance its beauty and to provide a buffer against wintry winds. Circling the building are VAST® Composite Pavers which form the walkways. VAST Pavers are made from over 95% recycled tires and plastics.
Flooring
The flooring is Marmoleum, a covering made from predominantly harvestable, natural raw materials and processed via an environmentally friendly procedure without any harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic chemicals. Marmoleum is a sustainable product, allergen free and biodegradable. The carpeting in the entryways is recyclable and the carpeting in the conference rooms has recycled content and is recyclable.
Paint
The water-based paint is low in VOCs, containing no petroleum-based solvents, and allowing much lower emission of potentially harmful gases. It contains no or very low levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde. Wood was used for doors and trim, again eliminating petroleum products.
Insulation
The 6-inch outer walls have highly energy-efficient insulation made of cellulose- recycled newspaper. Ceiling insulation exceeds energy efficient standards.
Windows
All the offices are on outside walls and all have thermo-pane windows which also provide natural light and reduce the use of electric lighting.
Water
Dual Flush toilets were installed in the three restrooms to conserve water.
