Featuring waterless urinals and a natural gas power generator, Florida's first environmentally friendly fire station opened in Gainesville Tuesday.
A ribbon cutting was held at the new facility, where about 50 people, including city commissioners, firefighters and the public, gathered to see what the new station had to offer.
The 5,521-square-foot station was about 5 percent more expensive than a non-green facility, according to Bryan Schneider, project coordinator.
However, it was completed under the $1.8 million budget and will ultimately save more money in energy costs.
"Green is the only way to go," said Charlie Jackson, Alachua County facilities manager.
The station's green features include water-conserving dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, solar panels for heating water and an energy efficient heating, venting and air conditioning system.
Builders also tried to have minimal environmental impact.
More than 63 percent of construction waste was recycled, said Ivan Oelrich, general contractor. Recycling cost less than sending the waste to landfills, he added.
Even the building's peachy paint color was chosen for its low sunlight reflection, making it cooler inside.
The idea for the station originated in 2005 and construction started in 2008. Schneider said plans are in progress to renovate two other Gainesville stations, but the city won't begin construction until the economy picks back up.
Fire Chief Ed Bailey said the fire station will serve the environment and benefit the public.
"(This station) will have two units and will allow better responsive time to fires," he said.
