John Wesley Powell Building (Reston, VA)

Department of the Interior

The U.S. Geological Survey has taken an aggressive approach to energy conservation at their award-winning National Headquarters in Reston,VA. Upgrades include chiller replacements and improved monitoring and controls; PV lighting for outdoor security, a vehicle traffic underpass, and a pedestrian cross-walk; and three solar thermal tile systems that provide heated air to start generator engines in cold weather conditions. Compared to their 1985 baseline, energy use dropped 18% and energy costs fell 23%.