Philip Merrill Environmental Center

The Philip Merrill Environmental Center is an office building in Annapolis with open workstations for about 90 staff members and large windows overlooking Chesapeake Bay. The structure combines workspace with exhibition areas and was constructed using recycled materials and renewable energy systems throughout.

The building was completed in the early 2000s and was the first in the United States to achieve the highest environmental certification available. This project marked a turning point in modern architecture, showing that sustainability and high performance standards could be achieved together.

The center has become a symbol of environmental responsibility in the community, demonstrating how sustainable practices integrate into modern office operations. Visitors can observe how natural light and ventilation shape the workspaces and how the architecture preserves connection to the bay and surrounding nature.

The building is typically accessible on weekdays, with extended hours Monday through Thursday and shorter hours on Friday. Visitors should inquire ahead or check online, as hours can vary and tours often require advance arrangements.

The building features three exposed cisterns that collect rainwater to supply much of its daily water needs. Additionally, composting toilets are used to produce fertilizer for the grounds, turning waste products into resources in a visible way.