Skip to content

Not only is the Capitol Visitor Center a center of information about the Capitol, it is also an environmentally friendly structure.

Throughout the CVC’s six-year construction, the Architect of the Capitol has made sure to incorporate many green features to limit the massive building’s carbon footprint.

For instance, the structure itself is deemed a redevelopment of an urban site because it was constructed under an existing parking lot and therefore did not create more hard surfaces. A storm management system was also incorporated into the structure to limit the impact of runoff into the city’s sewer system.

The building includes other green features such as:

• Six skylights that provide both natural light and views of the Capitol Dome

• Slow-flow bathroom fixtures and automatic-flush faucets and toilets

• Automatic lights that dim or turn off when there is no movement

• A 50 percent recycling rate for construction waste from the renovation

• 85 new trees planted to replace those that were removed to make way for construction

Recent Stories

Menendez rejects New Jersey Democrats’ calls to resign after indictment

Photos of the week ending September 22, 2023

Dressing down — Congressional Hits and Misses

Menendez indictment comes with Democrats playing 2024 defense

Sen. Bob Menendez and wife indicted on federal bribery charges

Hill worries mount about delays in arming Ukraine