Visitor Center Improvements Aim to Increase Energy Efficiency – Maine Audubon

Gilsland Farm Audubon Center Expansion and Renovation Report

Introduction

The Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth is undergoing significant development and renovation to enhance its conservation efforts and community engagement. These initiatives strongly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

New Facilities and Conservation Efforts

In May 2026, the center will inaugurate the Ann and Jim Hancock Native Plants Education Center, which will:

• Expand capacity for conservation horticulture and native plant restoration (SDG 15)
• Create additional programming space for education and community engagement (SDG 4 – Quality Education)
• Serve as a community gathering place (SDG 11)

Adjacent to this, the new Stewardship Annex will provide:

• Storage and workspace for seasonal teams protecting coastal birds and Common Loons (SDG 15)
• Facilities for stewardship equipment used across state sanctuaries

Visitor Center Renovation and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Since October 2025, renovation work has been underway on the Visitor Center, focusing on enhancing building performance and sustainability. Key improvements include:

1. Replacement of the HVAC system with energy-efficient air source heat pumps (SDG 7)
2. Upgraded building ventilation systems
3. Installation of significant insulation above the ceiling
4. Roof replacement
5. Planned replacement of cedar shingle siding with added exterior wood fiber board insulation sourced locally from Timber HP, reducing environmental footprint compared to conventional materials (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)
6. Installation of high-efficiency triple-pane windows and bird-safe window treatments to protect local avian species (SDG 15)

These renovations represent a deep energy retrofit aimed at increasing energy efficiency and incorporating sustainable building technologies, continuing the center’s legacy of green design since its original opening in 1996.

Renewable Energy Expansion

In addition to reducing energy consumption, Maine Audubon is increasing renewable energy production on campus by installing new solar arrays on the Native Plants Education Center and Stewardship Annex. These arrays are projected to generate an additional 60,000 kWh annually, further decreasing reliance on external energy sources and supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Project Timeline and Community Impact

• Majority of construction and renovation work is scheduled for completion before summer 2026
• Temporary closures and restricted access to the Visitor Center during renovation
• Efforts to maintain winter and spring programming with minimal disruption to the Nature Store, which will remain largely open

Partnerships and Collaboration

The project is supported by key partners including Kaplan Thompson Architects, Mathew Alcorn Builders, Bruss Project Management, Petersen Engineering, and Atlantic Comfort Systems, exemplifying collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.

Conclusion

These developments at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and community education. The center is poised to continue serving as a vital hub for conservation and sustainability in Maine for decades to come.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses upgrading the Visitor Center with energy-efficient systems such as air source heat pumps, improved insulation, and solar arrays to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy production.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Renovation of the Visitor Center and construction of new facilities aim to create more sustainable, energy-efficient, and bird-friendly community spaces.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Use of sustainable building materials like wood fiber board insulation and recycled steel reflects responsible consumption and production practices.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – The deep energy retrofit and renewable energy installations contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – Conservation horticulture, native plant restoration, and protection of coastal birds and Common Loons highlight efforts to preserve terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 11
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
3. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
5. SDG 15
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Indicators
   • Amount of electricity produced by solar arrays (e.g., additional 60,000 kWh/year from new installations).
   • Energy consumption reduction through HVAC upgrades and insulation improvements (implied through system replacements and insulation “r value” increases).
2. Building Sustainability Indicators
   • Use of sustainable materials such as wood fiber board insulation and recycled steel.
   • Implementation of bird-friendly architectural features (implied as a measure of environmental impact mitigation).
3. Conservation and Biodiversity Indicators
   • Protection efforts for coastal birds and Common Loons (implied through stewardship activities).
   • Expansion of native plant restoration and conservation horticulture capacity.
4. Community Engagement Indicators
   • Increased programming space and community gathering areas (implied measure of social sustainability and inclusion).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: maineaudubon.org