The U.S. Department of Energy’s Research Support Facility (RSF), in Golden, Colo., is arguably America’s most significant building of the last decade, at least in terms of energy consumption.
The 220,000-sf, slanted H-shaped office building, on the site of the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, produces as much or more energy than it uses—to be specific, 35 kBtu/sf/year, which is 50% below ASHRAE 90.1-2004. The building, which also includes a data center that serves the entire campus, can accommodate 825 staff; it provides 61% more space to the NREL building stock yet adds only 6% in energy demand (which is provided by photovoltaics). Yet it came in at $57.4 million in construction costs, $64 million furnished—or $288/sf complete.
More importantly, the Building Team achieved these remarkable numbers through rigorous energy-conservation methods that brought the RSF’s energy use down by about 80% compared to a conventional building. Only after all energy-saving strategies were applied were renewable energy sources used. In all cases, only readily available, made-in-the-USA technologies and systems were used.
The DOE and NREL held a national design competition to pick the team, setting forth 26 project objectives in a fast-track, multi-bid proposal. Three objectives were deemed “mission critical”: a LEED Platinum rating, Energy Star First “Plus,” and safe work performance. The other 23 were termed “highly desirable”—such as providing room for at least 742 staff—or “if possible,” notably net-zero energy use, “most energy-efficient building in the world,” and a LEED Platinum “Plus” rating. Moreover, the project had to demonstrate that a “distinctively new class of real estate” was feasible and replicable by the private sector.
The winning team, led by design firm RNL and GC Haselden Construction (with engineering from Stantec Consulting), vowed to meet or exceed all 26 objectives. This was risky, since the team would be paid only 50% of the cost of completing the preliminary design; if the DOE didn’t like it, the feds could terminate the contract with no additional payment.
The Building Team evaluated and tested a multitude of technologies before choosing the systems that would go into the structure. These included hydronic radiant slab heating and cooling employing 45 miles of piping; a below-grade maze of heavy concrete structures to store thermal energy for passive cooling and heating; a dedicated outside air system that provides fresh air via raised floors when the windows are closed; and a thermally massive exterior wall system using insulated precast tilt-up panels.
Modular workstations, raised floor systems, and demountable walls were tested via full-scale mockups to provide optimal daylighting, thermal comfort and control, sound control, and indoor air quality. Occupied spaces are no more than 30 feet from an operable window. A mechanical system opens the windows on cool summer nights.
Working intensively with subcontractors, the team installed a standing seam metal roof 90 days ahead of schedule so that photovoltaics could be installed on time. Two of the technologies used in the RSF—transpired solar collectors and electrochromic windows—were co-developed by NREL scientists. Nearly 600 windows were placed, many of them crowned with specially designed “bonnets” to control interior heat buildup (see http://www.bdcnetwork.com/article/windows-keep-green-goals-view).
As impressive as the technological innovations were, the real breakthrough had to do with the team’s embrace of the DOE performance-based procurement process. In a radical departure from standard DOE procedures, the Building Team negotiated with DOE over a two-month period to redefine standard construction contracts, federal acquisition regulations, and RFP contract terms.
The final contract contained more than a dozen specially crafted clauses, and the new contracting method—performance-based design-build—proved so successful that it has become the new NREL model for subsequent high-performance DOE construction projects, including a new building at NREL that Haselden and RNL are working on. In fact, the team’s performance was rated “superior” on each of the 26 objectives, qualifying them for $2 million in contract incentives.
“This would have to be one of the most collaborative projects I’ve seen in recent years,” said juror Michael Damore, Executive Managing Director of A/E firm Epstein, Chicago. Said J.A. Detamore, PhD, PE, PMP, Director, NREL Infrastructure and Campus Development, “The level of innovation and creativity that went into this [project] is simply outstanding. The project represents the highest level of partnering I have ever been part of in my 29 years of experience.”
The lesson of the NREL Research Support Facility is clear: If the U.S. government can build a net-zero energy office building at market-rate cost, why can’t the private sector do so?
Related Stories
Mass Timber | May 23, 2023
Luxury farm resort uses CLT framing and geothermal system to boost sustainability
Construction was recently completed on a 325-acre luxury farm resort in Franklin, Tenn., that is dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable, productive land use. With sustainability a key goal, The Inn and Spa at Southall was built with cross-laminated and heavy timber, and a geothermal variant refrigerant flow (VRF) heating and cooling system.
Office Buildings | May 15, 2023
Sixteen-story office tower will use 40% less energy than an average NYC office building
This month marks the completion of a new 16-story office tower that is being promoted as New York City’s most sustainable office structure. That boast is backed by an innovative HVAC system that features geothermal wells, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) units, radiant heating and cooling, and a sophisticated control system to ensure that the elements work optimally together.
Sustainability | May 11, 2023
Let's build toward a circular economy
Eric Corey Freed, Director of Sustainability, CannonDesign, discusses the values of well-designed, regenerative buildings.
Headquarters | May 9, 2023
New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus
A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.
University Buildings | May 5, 2023
New health sciences center at St. John’s University will feature geothermal heating, cooling
The recently topped off St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s University in New York City will feature impressive green features including geothermal heating and cooling along with an array of rooftop solar panels. The geothermal field consists of 66 wells drilled 499 feet below ground which will help to heat and cool the 70,000 sf structure.
Sustainability | Apr 10, 2023
4 ways designers can help chief heat officers reduce climate change risks
Eric Corey Freed, Director of Sustainability, CannonDesign, shares how established designers and recently-emerged chief heat officers (CHO) can collaborate on solutions for alleviating climate change risks.
Energy Efficiency | Apr 7, 2023
Department of Energy makes $1 billion available for states, local governments to upgrade building codes
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering funding to help state and local governments upgrade their building codes to boost energy efficiency. The funding will support improved building codes that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to DOE.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Government Buildings | Mar 24, 2023
19 federal buildings named GSA Design Awards winners
After a six-year hiatus, the U.S. General Services Administration late last year resumed its esteemed GSA Design Awards program. In all, 19 federal building projects nationwide were honored with 2022 GSA Design Awards, eight with Honor Awards and 11 with Citations.
Geothermal Technology | Mar 22, 2023
Lendlease secures grants for New York’s largest geothermal residential building
Lendlease and joint venture partner Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, have acquired $4 million in support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to build a geoexchange system at 1 Java Street in Brooklyn. Once completed, the all-electric property will be the largest residential project in New York State to use a geothermal heat exchange system.