Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences Rates LEED® Platinum; Among First Platinum Laboratories in the Country
The U.S. Green Buildings Council has awarded a Platinum rating to the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, a research laboratory for scientists and students working in the Lake Tahoe watershed region. Completed in Fall 2006, the TCES building reflects a level of environmental sensitivity suitable for its location and for its purpose—housing research, education and public outreach programs that focus on understanding and protecting fragile alpine lakes.
The architecture and engineering team included Integrated Design Associates for electrical design, Rumsey Engineers of Oakland, CA, for mechanical engineering, Lundahl and Associates of Reno, Nevada, architects, and David Nelson & Associates of Littleton, Colorado, for lighting design. The center uses 60 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a comparable building. It’s also winning notice due to the harmonious way the structure fits into its surrounding environment, as well as its comfort and usability.
Sustainable electrical technologies incorporated in the TCES building include:
- a grid tied photovoltaic array,
- a grid tied natural gas powered micro-turbine generating both hot water and electric power,
- oversized wiring to reduce losses,
- a wireless data system,
- a voice over IP telecommunications system,
- combination timeclock and occupancy sensor-based lighting controls in public areas,
- photocell controlled daylight harvesting dimming lighting controls, and photocell controlled daylight harvesting switching lighting controls.
The building also includes an unusual variety of innovative mechanical designs, including: induction diffusers, or chilled beams; low-flow displacement ventilation; radiant floor heating; overhead radiant heating and cooling panels; capstone turbine with cogeneration for space heating; 30kW of building integrated photovoltaics; lab exhaust heat recovery; nighttime chilled water production with a cooling tower; 50,000 gallons of chilled water storage; direct evaporative cooling in air handlers; and a demonstration solar hot water heater. Plumbing design features include waterless urinals; low-flow toilets; and a unique snowmelt and rainwater catchment system that captures water for use in toilet flushing and trap primers.
The three story, 45,000 square foot facility houses classrooms and laboratories for students and research facilities for many institutions who share a commitment to the environment and environmental science. The project was developed as a partnership between University of California, Davis and Sierra Nevada College (SNC), to be a leading environmental science and education center. It houses the University of California, Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and provides facilities for the University of Nevada, Reno, Carnegie Mellon University, RAND Corporation and other research partners. The programs developed by the collaboration of these institutions will serve as models for public/private partnerships focused on researching and solving our pressing environmental problems.
About Integrated Design Associates (IDeAs)
IDeAs is a leader in advancing sustainable electrical design concepts in building design. It researches concepts and technologies to provide state of the art, highly efficient and environmentally sound solutions.
PR Contact: Therese Sullivan 650 575 2896 therese@runwaypartners.com
Design Team:
Architect: Lundahl and Associates
Electrical Engineer: IDeAs
Lighting Designer: David Nelson Associates
Mechanical: Rumsey Engineers
Awards:
LEED Platinum Certification from USGBC
|
| |
