2007 Federal Energy Saver Showcase Award Winners
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association
Alpena, Michigan
Dedicated in 2005, the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a landmark of sustainable construction and a symbol of community redevelopment. This "green" facility, constructed on the site of a former paper coating mill, reused 100 percent of the original building shell and 50 percent of the interior walls. Laboratory cabinets and shelving were salvaged from the mill and refurbished, and the majority of the building's materials and furniture came from within 500 miles of the project site. New cabinetry and flooring were constructed from rapidly renewable resources. The building uses natural lighting for 75 percent of the regularly occupied spaces—90 percent with window views. Water-efficient fixtures reduce potable water use by 137,000 gallons per year. A closed loop water-based geothermal well to provide the building's heating and cooling reduces total building energy consumption by approximately 35 percent as compared to a conventional building. The building is slated to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification.
One and Two Potomac Yard
Environmental Protection Agency
Arlington, Virginia
EPA's office buildings at One and Two Potomac Yard demonstrate a balance of function, cost, and sustainability. Low volatile organic compound adhesives, paints sealants, and caulks, as well as sustainable workstation furniture, ensure superior indoor air quality. More than 60 percent of the building materials were extracted and manufactured locally, and more than 70 percent of construction waste was recycled. The buildings incorporate a 1,700 square foot green roof and highly-reflective ENERGY STAR roofing materials to reduce heat loads. Water use is reduced by 41 percent over the baseline through high efficiency faucets and dual-flush toilets. Sand filters at the rear of the facilities intercept and treat storm water runoff heading toward the Potomac River. Commissioning and above-standard building mechanical system controls and monitoring capabilities optimize mechanical system performance and minimize energy use. The buildings are expected to achieve energy savings of almost 38 percent over standard facilities, and have already been recognized with LEED Gold certification. The project is also expected to receive the ENERGY STAR building label in 2007.
Region 8 Office
Environmental Protection Agency
Denver, Colorado
EPA's state-of-the-art Region 8 Headquarters shows the agency's commitment to designing, constructing, and operating highly sustainable buildings. Extensive daylighting combined with dimming controls and occupancy sensors take advantage of Denver's ample sunlight. Additional energy savings come from high-efficiency, building-wide systems such as under-floor air delivery; a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that works at the lowest possible cooling loads in warmer weather; and air side economizers that cool the building using the city's cooler, mile-high air. The building also features an impressive 19,200 square foot green roof with an organic soil layer comprised of drought-resistant plants that reduce rooftop and building temperatures and filter downtown pollution. A 48-panel photovoltaic array contributes 10 kilowatts of green power, in addition to 4.7 million kilowatt-hours in renewable energy certificates. These and other energy- and water-efficient features are expected to reduce energy and water use by almost 68 and 36 percent respectively over similar buildings of conventional construction. The building is on track to receive both the ENERGY STAR® building label and LEED Gold certification.
Wayne L. Morse U.S. Courthouse
General Services Administration
Eugene, Oregon
The design and construction team for the Wayne L. Morse Courthouse made a firm commitment to an integrated, holistic design that produced a significant architectural, engineering, and construction achievement. The building is 38 percent more efficient than conventional construction, and is the first GSA Northwest Arctic Region 10 building to achieve LEED certification and the first Federal courthouse recognized with LEED Gold certification for new construction. Key energy-saving features include an underfloor air distribution system for most of the space including the courtrooms; a fan-wall ventilation system; efficient lighting systems combined with daylight dimming ballasts and controls; a central plant that utilizes a heat-recovery chiller; and an advanced building automation system. Renewable energy certificates cover 50 percent of the building's electricity use for two years. An efficient irrigation system reduces overall water consumption by 59 percent, and low-flow restroom equipment and waterless urinals reduce indoor water use by 43 percent. Low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpets, along with carbon dioxide demand-controlled ventilation and monitoring system, ensure high indoor air quality for all inhabitants.
Visitor Center and Administration Buildings
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Sherwood, Oregon
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Center and Administration Buildings exemplify the principles of sustainable design. Building materials were selected for their low environmental impact—engineered wood from fast-growing trees uses wood scraps efficiently and minimizes depletion of forests. Recycled content materials were used extensively, and 90 percent of construction waste was recycled. Water is provided by on-site wells that existed prior to construction. Pervious concrete pavement significantly reduces stormwater runoff, eliminating erosion of the hillside above the pond. The concrete allows water to run back to the pond while providing adequate structural support without the need for drainage ditches. Restoration of the landscaping to its native setting eliminates the need for irrigation. The building incorporates numerous passive energy-saving features, including daylighting and precast concrete wall systems with thermal mass and low infiltration. The structures also incorporate superinsulated building envelopes, cool roofs, low-e exterior windows, high efficiency lighting, and high efficiency heat pumps and exhaust systems. The facility is estimated to use 75 percent less energy than a similar conventional building, and is on target to receive LEED Silver certification.