Big Changes are Powering Up at the Audubon Center at Debs Park!

We’re making some exciting structural upgrades at the Audubon Center at Debs Park—and if you visit or hike often, you may notice some construction. That’s because, after years of operating completely “off the grid,” the Center is officially connecting to the Los Angeles city power grid!

This transition is part of our commitment to a more resilient and climate-smart future. Through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) Interconnection Program for Net Energy Metering (NEM), we’re joining a system that supports clean energy goals, local green jobs, and grid reliability.

Here’s how it works: our rooftop solar panels will continue to generate electricity, which first powers our building directly. When we produce more energy than we need, that excess flows back into LADWP’s grid through a special bi-directional meter—and we earn credit. On cloudy days or at night, we can draw electricity from the grid. This system allows us to reduce demand on centralized power plants, ease strain on the grid, and significantly lower our carbon footprint. In essence, the Audubon Center will function like a mini power plant!

The Audubon team has been very excited for this addition, it will help us be more reliable and efficient. When the Audubon Center at Deb Park was first envisioned it was meant to be a community hub for conservation serving the local community and an example of how conservation, this included a low carbon footprint building. In November of 2003 the Audubon Center at Debs Park earned the nation’s first LEED v2 Platinum certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a globally recognized certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that rates buildings on their environmental performance and sustainable design. LEED-certified buildings are designed to meet high standards for environmental performance, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials, and indoor air quality. By reducing resource use and environmental impact, these buildings help lower operating costs, promote healthier indoor environments, and contribute to climate resilience and sustainability goals. Back in 2003, a maximum of 69 points were possible under the LEED system and our center scored an impressive 53.

• 100% off‑grid solar power: The 5,020 ft² center generates all its electricity on-site through photovoltaic panels, solar-heated water systems, and HVAC systems.
• High-efficiency water systems: Designed to use up to 70% less water than conventional buildings, with on-site wastewater treatment and reuse
• Eco-conscious materials: Over 50% of materials were locally manufactured (within 104 miles), and more than 25% locally harvested—both well above LEED requirements—and over 97% of construction debris was recycled
• Innovative recycled and renewable finishes: The building incorporates recycled rebar (including melted handguns and scrap metal), flooring made from agave plant fibers, and cabinets crafted from wheatboard and sunflower board—materials that are rapidly renewable and lower in embodied carbon
• Passive heating and cooling: Thermal mass concrete floors, shading overhangs, and low‑e double-glazed windows enhance natural daylighting, reduce heat gain, and minimize the need for mechanical heating or cooling in most conditions

These features have made the Audubon Center at Debs Park a national example of sustainable design. Beyond its environmental benefits, the building is a living classroom. Demonstrating to visitors and community members how climate-smart buildings can function beautifully and efficiently. You can see many of these green design elements on display in our Audubon Outfitters, also known as our welcome center, where we have samples of some of the original materials used.

As we prepare for full interconnectivity, some walking paths and trails may be temporarily impacted by construction. We appreciate your patience during this transition, and we’re excited to step into a greener, more connected future together.