The Pru & Louis Ryan Resilience Lab

The Elizabeth River Project recently completed construction of the Pru & Louis Ryan Resilience Lab, a state-of-the-art environmental education and coastal resilience center. The Lab now serves as a cornerstone for the EcoDistrict, hosting tours and events focused on environmental restoration of the Elizabeth River and its Knitting Mill Creek.

The new Ryan Resilience Lab explores, displays and models key concepts and approaches that will lead the way to a more sustainable future.

ADAPTATION TO A CHANGING CLIMATE: Building and site designs incorporate elevated structures, floating docks, and on-site energy production through solar arrays and battery backups with a goal of net zero energy use.
FEATURES TO ABSORB FLOODING: Living shorelines, rain gardens, pervious paving and green roofs to reduce stormwater runoff, rain barrels and cisterns to collect rainwater, and “gray-water” re-use in the building are all on display.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE: Designed for energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint, from recycled material usage to solar panels to high-efficiency lighting, including “sunlight harvesting” strategies.
CULTURAL RESILIENCE: Signage, displays and ERP staff educate visitors on resilience features and strategies while art exhibits inspire and public parks and green spaces offer new ways to experience the Elizabeth River.
PLANNED RETREAT: With sea level rise projected to overtake the facility in 30-50 years, it’s built to be progressively preserved before ultimately succumbing to the river – an groundbreaking model for homeowners and developers.