Heartland Net Zero Agriculture Complex

The Agriculture Complex responds to Central Illinois’ increasing demand for jobs in the agriculture industry. The complex, which disperses student social spaces and puts education on display, expands Heartland Community College’s agriculture program. It also supports new programming in precision agriculture, which relies on technologies to increase crop yields while preserving resources.

The 29,500-square-foot building is on track to become Illinois’ first net-zero community college building, meaning it produces enough energy to offset its annual energy use. The design stems from intensive energy modeling, passive solar principles, and solar compartmentalization, while the site design highlights stormwater management and flexibility of outdoor education.

Sustainable features include a super-insulated building envelope, energy-efficient mechanical systems, a geothermal system, radiant heating and cooling floors, and rooftop photovoltaics. Legat helped the college apply for and secure a $2 million energy grant.