Harris County Precinct 4 crew has begun construction of a net-zero facility at Carter Park. Net-zero facilities create the energy needed to function, using elements such as solar panels, rain harvesting systems and onsite wastewater treatment. “Interns did the [design],” Precinct 4 Parks Administrator Dennis Johnston said. “My staff is building the structure, the exterior and slab in house.” The solar, water collection and specialized sewer system will be contracted to consultants for construction, he said. While the facility plan is designed to be fully independent of outside energy sources, it will be constructed with the ability to use back-up power. “Since this is a trial net-zero building, it is monitored by a company that checks the energy levels are working,” Johnston said. The facility will house restrooms and shelter for people on the trails in the greenway and Carter Park. “It’s going to have a little covered seating area, so if you’re out there and get caught in a storm, it will have a little covered area to get out of the weather,” Johnston said. While there have been delays in the construction due to flooding, construction could be completed in the fall, Johnston said. There are additional areas along the 15 miles of trails on the Spring Creek greenway that do not have the ability to tap into electrical power that could be suited for future net-zero facilities, he said. “This is a test, albeit one that has a safety net to see if we can make one of these off grid restrooms work,” Johnston said. “If we [make it work] we will continue to be able to build these along the greenway system—if this is a success then we can do others.” Johnston said Bill and Ellen Carter—Carter Park’s namesakes—donated $50,000 to jumpstart the restroom project. He estimates the entire construction will cost $300,000. Carter Park is located at 7221 Treaschwig Road in Spring.