Zero Energy
The new Willowbrook Wildlife Animal Rescue Center was developed to replace an aging facility with a modern animal care and rehabilitation center that also serves as a hub for conservation education and community engagement. Located within a DuPage County forest preserve, the facility supports the treatment and recovery of injured wildlife while demonstrating the potential of high-performance, sustainable design.
Designed to operate as a net-zero energy building, Willowbrook utilizes an all-electric geothermal system connected to a 64-well geothermal field, alongside approximately 625 kW of on-site solar generation. CMTA provided the geothermal system and PV solar design, ensuring the integration of these critical renewable energy systems. Together, these systems are projected to offset the facility’s annual energy consumption and significantly minimize its environmental impact.
The building includes specialized animal care spaces designed to support a wide range of species while maintaining high standards for indoor air quality and safety. Dedicated ventilation systems, direct exhaust, and ammonia monitoring help create a healthy environment for both animals and staff.
Willowbrook demonstrates that net-zero energy design is achievable even in highly constrained natural environments. Developed in collaboration with Wight & Company, the project serves as a resilient public asset, combining wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and renewable energy systems in a facility that supports both conservation and long-term operational performance.
