Energy Use Reduction

 The University of Florida opened the $67 million Joseph Hernandez Hall in Gainesville in April of 2017. Designed by Stantec to accommodate programs in chemistry and chemical biology, the five-story, 111,500-sf facility features a general chemistry lab capable of accommodating 256 students at one time, as well as graduate and faculty research labs, interactive undergraduate teaching labs, classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and core research facilities.

Murray State University opened the new Breathitt Veterinary Center in May of 2017 in Hopkinsville, Ky. Replacing the state’s existing animal health lab, the $33 million facility features a BSL-3 suite, an expanded necropsy area, technology-rich classrooms, and collaborative research space. The 77,000-sf center provides 53,000 sf of dedicated diagnostic facilities and features an advanced HVAC system to enhance biosecurity throughout the building. Ground was broken in September of 2014 on the sustainably designed project, which is expected to attain LEED Silver.

Boston University broke ground in May of 2015 on the $150 million Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering (CILSE). Designed by Payette, the nine-story, 170,000-sf facility will support interdisciplinary research on synthetic biology, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging, and biological design. The project will exceed Boston University’s base energy efficiency code by 30 percent and will have building systems and utilities located on the second and third floors to ensure continuing operations in the event of a flood.

Lafayette College broke ground in May of 2017 on the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Science Center in Easton, Pa. Housing the departments of biology, computer science, and environmental studies, the five-story, 102,000-sf facility will feature an entrepreneurship incubator as well as accommodating programs in engineering and neuroscience. The design architect for the project is Payette and the project manager is Aegis Property Group.

Westfield State University opened the Dr. Nettie M. Stevens Science and Innovation Center in May of 2017 in Westfield, Mass. Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, the $48 million facility features a technology-rich interdisciplinary classroom, medical simulation suites, teaching and research labs, and study spaces. Accommodating programs in biology, chemistry, physics, nursing, and allied health, the 54,472-sf center includes a tissue culture suite, growth chambers, and environmental control rooms.

Toyota Motor Corp. opened the $154 million North American R&D Purchasing and Prototype Development Center in May of 2017 in York Township, Mich. Representing an expansion of the Toyota Technical Center, the project provides a vehicle prototype development facility, a distribution hub, and an addition to the existing powertrain research center. LEED Platinum sustainable design certification is being sought for the facility, which features a highly efficient building envelope, LED lighting, and low-flow water fixtures. Ground was broken on the project in June of 2015.

Montclair State University’s Center for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS) has attained LEED Gold sustainable design certification. Designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative, the 107,500-sf facility provides seven interdisciplinary research suites, six core labs, classrooms, offices, seminar rooms, a 100-seat lecture hall, and a microscopy suite.

Vanderbilt University will break ground in late spring of 2017 on a $23.6 million expansion of the School of Nursing in Nashville. Designed by Hastings Architecture Associates, the five-story, 30,000-sf addition will provide classrooms, conference and seminar rooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a simulation training lab. The facility will also feature virtual classrooms to support distance learning programs and technology-enhanced instructional spaces to promote interaction and collaboration.

The $295 million Dell Seton Medical Center opened in May of 2017 in Austin, Texas. Designed by HKS and built by JE Dunn, the 517,000-sf teaching hospital accommodates training programs for the University of Texas Dell Medical School and features 13 technology-rich operating rooms and a telemedicine monitoring suite. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the 211-bed facility, which is owned and operated by Seton Healthcare Family, a subsidiary of Ascension Health.

Geothermal heating and cooling exchange systems are proving to be a leading technology for achieving zero net energy consumption in cold climates. Geoexchange systems (also known as “geothermal heat pumps”) reduce energy consumption by using the earth to store heat and greatly improve HVAC efficiency. Using a network of closed-loop tubes buried deep underground, geoexchange systems require extensive planning, soil testing, and proper load design to function as intended, especially in energy-intensive lab environments. But when used with other strategies, they can play a significant role in reducing a facility’s HVAC-related energy use and carbon footprint.

Ford Motor Company is expanding and renovating its research and manufacturing facilities in Michigan. Construction will begin in mid-2017 on a $200 million data center in Romeo. In 2018, a truck and SUV production facility in Wayne will be retooled at a cost of $850 million. Ford will also invest $150 million to expand its Wayne engine manufacturing plant. 

Northwestern College broke ground in April of 2017 on a $24.5 million health and natural sciences center in Orange City, Iowa. Designed by Cannon Moss Brygger and HGA, the 61,000-sf facility will provide classrooms, labs, and offices for the departments of biology, chemistry, and nursing.

Texas State University is building the $120 million Bruce and Gloria Ingram Hall on its San Marcos campus. Designed by TreanorHL and Alamo Architects, the five-story, 122,665-sf facility will provide a makerspace, collaborative teaching and research labs, classrooms, study areas, and a robotics and welding studio. Ground was broken on the multidisciplinary project in August of 2016 and completion is expected in summer of 2018.

The University of Sussex is planning to build the £60 million Life Sciences Building in Brighton in the United Kingdom. Designed by Hawkins Brown Architects, the 183,000-sf project includes the renovation of an existing genome research building and construction of a five-story addition housing technology-rich classrooms and collaborative laboratories for research and teaching. The sustainably designed facility will feature natural materials, green roofs, and internal courtyard atriums.

Bentley University opened the renovated Jennison Hall in March of 2017 in Waltham, Mass. Designed by ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, the $22.5 million project comprises 85,000 sf of space accommodating classrooms, labs, offices, and interaction areas.