Tradeline, Inc. filters and categorizes new-construction and industry news from regional and professional journals across the country. Here you will find new projects, products, and regulatory updates.
Industry News
Semprius Plans Photovoltaic Manufacturing Facility
Semprius began construction in July of 2011 on a 150,000-sf photovoltaic manufacturing facility in Henderson, N.C. The first phase of the project includes renovation of an existing facility and construction of an additional 50,000 sf. Occupancy is expected in August of 2012. Semprius is based in Durham, N.C.
Sandia Labs Renovates Battery Testing Facility
Sandia Labs is engaged in a $4.2 million renovation of the Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory in Albuquerque, N.M. Supported by federal stimulus funding, the project will enable the facility to test larger batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The completed laboratory will house new spectrometers, laser diagnostics, and six accelerating rate calorimeters. Construction began on the renovation in December of 2010 with completion expected in late 2011. The Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory was built in 1991.
University of North Texas Builds Zero Energy Research Laboratory
The University of North Texas (UNT) broke ground on the Zero Energy Research Laboratory in Denton in July of 2011. Located in UNT’s Discovery Park, the 1,200-sf facility will include a utility core and an open flexible laboratory for sustainable energy and building systems research. The $1.15 million project is expected to reach completion in early 2012. Jacobs Engineering Group is the architect of record and the general contractor is Nouveau Construction.
Construction Begins on Sustainable Energy Technology Center
The Sustainable Energy Technology Center (SENTEC) is under construction in Danville, Va. The $8 million, 26,000-sf building is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and is affiliated with Virginia Tech. The center was designed by Dewberry with Lord, Aeck & Sargent as laboratory planner and Perigon as engineer.
NREL Research Support Facility Attains LEED Platinum
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Research Support Facility has attained LEED Platinum sustainable design certification. Located in Golden, Colo., the 222,000-sf project achieved all 59 targeted LEED points, including those for site selection, energy, materials and resources, and innovation. This is the highest score of the 10 U.S. federal facilities that have earned the LEED Platinum rating for new construction. The RSF also had a perfect score in the energy category, achieving all 17 points.