Building A LEED-Certified Environmental Laboratory

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William Parks
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1 Building A LEED-Certified Environmental Laboratory 2009 APWA Sustainability Conference Julie McLelland, P.E. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Background New facility needed for consolidation of four water/wastewater testing labs Office/conference wing for Environmental Management, Systems Protection Staff Building to be LEED Certified if possible

2 Why LEED Certified? Supports Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities mission to protect the environment Emphasis on O & M as well as Capital costs Reduce employee turnover and increase productivity Improve contractor accountability LEED is a measurable, internationally recognized standard of quality LEED 101 Developed and administered by the United States Green Building Council International non-profit organization composed of design professionals, contractors, building managers and others LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design usgbc.org

Certification Process Checklist-based, divided into major categories (Sitework, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, etc) USGBC review of detailed documentation from Contractor, Architect,

3 Certification Process Checklist-based, divided into major categories (Sitework, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, etc) USGBC review of detailed documentation from Contractor, Architect, Engineer, Commissioning Agent, and Owner upon completion of construction The higher the points achieved, the higher the certification (Basic to Platinum) Environmental Services Facility (ESF)

4 Facility Basics 46,000 square feet, 60% of which is lab and field support Wooded site in West Charlotte on wastewater treatment plant property Lab designed in modular fashion by analysis type to facilitate future changes Field support focus on traffic flow, chain of custody, separation from analysis areas Facility Basics cont. Open office areas to encourage communication, maximum daylight 100% outside air in lab area Building management system to optimize power usage Final completion August 15, 2008 LEED Gold Certification pending $12.2 M construction bid/ $11.9 M final cost Gantt Huberman Architects; Beam Construction

5 Sustainable Features Environmental Services Facility

6 Presentation Photos: Tom Kessler Photography Use of local materials Daylighting Heat island reduction Light Pollution Reduction

7 Reduced development footprint Stormwater management Building recycling program

8 Contractor recycling confined site example (ESF 75%) Materials and Resources Certified wood, rapidly renewable, high recycled content, low-emitting materials

9 Daylighting and Views Daylighting and Views light shelves

10 Modular lab design FSC wood Low level lighting

11 Other green features Overall energy reduction of 20% Building Management System Centrally controlled lighting (energy reduction) Building energy modeling based on specified HVAC equipment Commissioning process to verify installed performance of system Education Program

12 Other Green Features cont. Water conservation 50% reduction water efficient landscaping 20% reduction water consumption in bldg Indoor Air Quality dust, moisture control Good housekeeping, duct tape and plastic! IAQ tested by Commissioning Agent at end of construction (includes VOC s) Costs Construction premium -0.5 to 1% (ENR 9/17/08). Depends on features chosen. Professional services varies. On ESF, 1.6% -- high due to complexity of lab equipment. Majority is for engineering services. USGBC permitting fees -$2,850 for ESF Payback : varies based on energy cost, percent energy reduction achieved, Owner operation of facility. (ESF at 2% premium: 5.5 years)

13 Costs cont. Possible additional maintenance costs depending on equipment chosen. Will extend construction duration due to commissioning process. Benefits O & M cost savings after payback period throughout the life of the building Positive Public Relations: Community (citizens and business community) Prospective employees Other municipalities Health and wellness of employees

14 Benefits cont. Department wide recognition of how to lower operations costs/employee accountability Less loading on landfills Contractor and supplier accountability Support of regional businesses and suppliers Fewer community complaints during construction Benefits It s the right thing to do!

15 How to Create a Mess Retrofit green elements after design is substantially completed or later Go green exclusively by add alternate Design around getting points from the LEED checklist while disregarding good design practices Believe all (or even most) green suppliers (greenwashing) What Not To Do cont. Avoid setting specific project objectives concerning sustainable design (LEED or other measurable system) Fail to plan for post-occupancy operations, monitoring, and maintenance Go for flashy features instead of substance Select consultants based exclusively on the firm instead of individuals Fail to obtain support from building occupants

16 Sustainable Ideas with Potential Capital Cost Savings Don t clear cut. Require mandatory contractor recycling (get receipts for each truckload). Specify regional products where possible. Protect ductwork during construction. Use low flow fixtures. Investigate opportunities for permit rebates, grants, etc. in your area.

17 Zero to Minimal Capital Cost Premiums Require low VOC paints, sealants and adhesives. Use performance-based specifications for HVAC with penalties for nonperformance. Use drought-tolerant and native landscaping. Minimal Capital Costs cont. Use reflective (white) membrane roofing. Use intelligent lighting, indoor and outdoor. Investigate post-occupancy recycling program opportunities.

18 Questions?

Water System Sustainability Symposium

Presentation by: Richard N. Davee, P.E. Senior Vice President Wright-Pierce Water System Sustainability Symposium Sponsored by: Sustainable Design Sustainable design is the philosophy of designing physical