In these new 570 m2 laboratory for renewable energy research, students will study, design and evaluate renewable energy technologies. The installation meets the requirements for certification Living Building Challenge, a threshold that exceeds the LEED Platinum rating from USGBC. It produces all its own energy needs, collects rain water to meet drinking water needs, and provides natural ventilation and view 100% of occupied spaces. We used sophisticated energy models for the form and building openings in the design.
The Energy Laboratory was developed in response to the science curriculum that is home. From the halls of small projects, a large research center, or laboratory spaces were designed to encourage students to discovery, exploration and experimentation. The configuration of the building provides the scientific study inside and out, connecting the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. Students are surrounded by systems that they study, and constantly reminds its methods. The laboratory provides a continuous and sustainable “teachable moment.”
The building is certified LEED Platinum and is a candidate for the Living Building Challenge. These are two very tight construction schedules, where the materials restrictions and limits on the distance from point of manufacture. The building generates all the energy from solar sources and wind mills. Currently used only 8% of the energy produced, the rest is re-incorporated into the campus network. The building captures and filters its own drinking and wastewater, and produces hot water via solar panels. The building is completely designed with natural ventilation, and uses an experimental system radiant cooling as an alternative to air conditioning. There are many other green features, but perhaps the most sustainable alternative energy contribution is the construction of the “educational” where students actively learning in the built environment around them.
