The Philip Merrill Center:  CBF's Headquarters

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The Philip Merrill Environmental Center houses the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) headquarters. In design, construction, and operation, the building reflects our mission to protect and restore the Bay.

The Merrill Center, which opened in 2001, is one of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings, incorporating natural elements into a fully functional workplace which has minimal impact on its Bay- and creek-front surroundings. The center and its sophisticated systems have won international acclaim as a model for energy efficiency, high performance, and water conservation.

The Merrill Center is an interactive model that educates and inspires people, including hundreds of businesses, organizations, and government agencies. It is extremely cost effective and operates in harmony with the land, natural resources, and the Chesapeake Bay, proving that "green" buildings work. Our facility also proves that it isn't necessary to lose comfort or beauty to build responsibly.

All materials are made of recycled products or created through processes that don't damage the environment. The Merrill Center is the first building to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's Platinum rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Building “green” was once considered a cause advocated mostly by hardcore environmental groups. Not so today. With rising energy costs and emerging technologies catching on, “green” buildings are smart solutions for both businesses and homeowners serious about reducing pollution, mitigating environmental impact, and saving money.

Do you have a question about our green building?  E-mail us at: chesapeake@cbf.org.