Sustainable Design of a Research Laboratory
Dale Durfee and
Patrick McIntyre, O'Neal, Inc. Architects & Engineers
Abstract:
The Neuroscience Research Facility is a case study
in the planning & design of a research laboratory facility within
the context of a university research complex. This project demonstrates
the process of research and application of concepts of sustainability
to achieve the University's charge for a LEED™ certifiable
facility - an on-going leadership program within university communities.
Sustainable goals are represented through the investigation of building
and site systems, which contribute both to LEED™ criteria and
responsible and efficient operation of the facility and the goal
for architectural design excellence.
The case study also is a demonstration of the framework for planning,
design, and operations for Emory University - engaging university
administration, governing committees for campus design issues within
the Facility Management structure. Project landmark phases in the
capital development process include: The Precinct Study, The Feasibility
Study, The Programming Document, and the process through the design
and construction of the facility - a process known as 'The Emory
Way'.
This paper focuses on this case study for sustainable design of
a research laboratory facility, but will discuss several other topics
listed in the "Call for Papers". Included will be a discussion
of water conservation; energy recovery from HVAC systems; low impact
landscaping with irrigation from storm water storage, interior materials
and sustainable construction practices.
Objectives:
The objectives of this paper are to illustrate, through the use
of a case study, how a complex research facility can meet the requirements
for LEED™ accreditation. The case study is the new 95,000 square
foot Neuroscience Research Facility at the Yerkes National Primate
Center at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. The paper will began
with an overview of the LEED™ points system and where and how
this project will achieve the points required to be meet accreditation
requirements. This will be followed by a discussion of each of the
major areas of the LEED™ system with particular emphasis on
storm water management and use for irrigation; heat recovery for
HVAC systems; sustainable interior finishes; noise and light pollution
control strategies; and sustainable construction practices. Included
in these discussions will be how sustainable design and LEED™
accreditation can be achieved with minimal cost increases.
Findings:
The findings that will be presented will focus on how this case
study went beyond the LEED™ system to incorporate components
of the new Environmental Performance Criteria (EPC) of the Labs21
program. In particular, safety concerns for air effluent, laboratory
equipment water use, optimization of energy performance, hazardous
material handling, and fumehood commissioning will be discussed.
The specifics of each of these additional evaluation criteria will
be presented along with the applications and/or procedures used
to meet them. Also, a discussion of noise pollution control, critical
in many urban/suburban environments, will be presented and discussed.
While not currently criteria for either rating system, noise pollution
should be considered and evaluated as additional credit. These findings
have been developed from a complex, multi-function research facility,
and should have broad applications to other complex projects.
Labs21 Connection:
Many aspects of the Labs21 approach will be reflected in this presentation.
The aspects that were key to the design of this facility include
many that are an integral part of the Labs21 program. They include:
adopting energy and environmental performance goals; assessing opportunities
from a whole building perspective; commissioning equipment and controls;
employing a broad range of sustainable energy and water efficiency
strategies; specifying "green" construction materials;
and exploring sustainable design opportunities beyond the building
site. Each of these aspects, along with how they were implemented,
will be discussed. These aspects or goals were established and integrated
early on in the design process rather than be added on late in the
project, providing for a more holistic facility.
Biographies:
No biographies are available at this time.
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