Industry News

ASHRAE published ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 105-2007, Standard Methods of Measuring, Expressing and Comparing Building Energy Performance, in September of 2007. Providing a method of energy performance comparison that can be used for any building, proposed or existing, the standard also allows different methods of energy analysis to be compared. The standard will facilitate comparison, design and operation improvements, and development of building energy performance standards.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is planning to construct the National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, N.Y. The DOE has granted the project Critical Decision 1 status, representing a significant step toward construction of the facility. Producing x-ray light 10,000 times brighter than the existing NSLS, the project will facilitate discoveries in advanced materials, energy technologies, nanoscience, and pharmaceutical development. The project budget is estimated at $750 to $925 million.

Brookhaven National Laboratory dedicated the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) in Upton, N.Y., on May 21, 2007. HDR Architecture  provided full A/E services for this new facility that will provide researchers state-of-the-art capabilities to explore and develop nanoscale materials aimed at helping the U.S. achieve energy independence. The 94,500-sf facility is the last of five Nanoscale Science Research Centers built by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at its national laboratories.

Humboldt State University is constructing a hydrogen fueling station at the Schatz Energy Research Center in Arcata, Calif. Funded in part by a $350,000 gift from Chevron Technology Ventures, the station will include an electrolyzer for on-site hydrogen production, storage tanks, a compressor, and a dispenser. The station is part of California's Hydrogen Highway program and will fuel a hydrogen-powered Toyota Prius and two additional vehicles.

Idaho State University is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to construct the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in Idaho Falls. The CAES facility will be an international user facility for promoting and performing research and revitalizing education and training in nuclear energy science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines. The facility is expected to encompass 50,000 gsf to 60,000 gsf with approximately half of the building dedicated to laboratory space. Occupancy is slated for 2008.