The Eric Dutt Eco Center at New York City’s  renowned P.S. 6 – The Lillie Devereaux Blake School, was an idea conceived by PS 6 Science teacher, Eric Dutt.  Eric wanted to build a rooftop greenhouse to teach students the importance of environmental awareness and hands on experience on ecological science. Soon after he started gathering support for his dream, he passed away suddenly, in the prime of life. The PTA, students, and faculty took up the mantle of this project as a tribute to this beloved teacher and his dedication to students, school, and the environment.

The program includes greenhouse classroom, outdoor classroom with sun-shade canopy, planting area, turtle pond, solar panels and wind turbine which provide supplementary electricity to the school.

The project required close collaboration with various regulatory bodies, including the NYC School Construction Authority, NYC Landmarks Commission, NY State Historic Preservation Office and others.