flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ASHRAE’s new headquarters walks the talk about net-zero energy

Energy Efficiency

ASHRAE’s new headquarters walks the talk about net-zero energy

The conversion of a 1970s’-era building demonstrates how older structures can be made more efficient and sustainable.


By John Caulfield, Senior Editor | March 23, 2021
ASHRAE's new global headquarters

ASHRAE's new headquarters in Atlanta transforms a 1970s-era structure into a net-zero-energy office facility. Images: Jonathan Hillyer Photography

This month, ASHRAE’s new global headquarters became fully net-zero energy upon the installation of its photovoltaic system.

This 66,700-sf, three-story building, which previously housed an information management company Recall, was originally built in 1978. It’s located in Peachtree Corners, Ga., along Atlanta’s Technology Parkway corridor, and 10 miles from ASHRAE’s previous headquarters. The building’s transformation, which began in January 2020, is “a living showcase of what’s possible,” said Charles Gulledge III, PE, ASHRAE’s 2020-2021 President.  It might also serve as proof that net-zero energy can be more than an aspiration for existing buildings.

The renovation and retrofit used innovative technologies and sustainable materials to reduce energy use, water consumption, and the building’s carbon footprint. Skanska, the project’s Construction Manager at Risk, completed the renovation during the coronavirus pandemic without having to shut down. ASHRAE’s 110-person staff started moving into the building last October.

The net-zero-energy ready design exceeds ASHRAE’s own energy and indoor standards. (Even before the COVID pandemic, ASHRAE had planned to provide 30% more outside air to the renovated building than the required minimum ventilation rates from its own Standard 62.1.) The design targets LEED and International Living Future Institute zero energy certifications.

THE TECHNICAL BELLS AND WHISTLES

ASHRAE's headquarters is distinguished by a radiant ceiling panel system (above) and formidable mechanical room that includes four heat pumps.

 

The new headquarters’ technical features include:

•A radiant ceiling panel system for heating and cooling, and a dedicated outdoor air system to enhance ventilation via overhead fresh-air distribution

•Six water-source heat pumps

•Demand-control ventilation for high-occupancy spaces

•Modeling Energy Use Intensity of 17 kBTU/sf/year

•On-site electric vehicle charging stations

•18 skylights and a reconfigured window/wall ratio, which at the work plane is 79.9%.

There are 18 skylights in the building (above), and dashboards throughout that relay information about the building's performance.

Among the headquarters’ digitally connected solutions are remote monitoring and analysis of building performance via online dashboarding, and an advanced Building Automation System that’s’ integrated with other systems. Advanced conferencing is designed to serve as a “digital lighting” teaching resource.

To help fund this $20 million project, ASHRAE raised $9.7 million from 31 corporate donors, which included gifts of equipment and services. ASHRAE members donated more than $500,000.

The project’s design team included McLennan Design, Houser Walker Architecture, and Integral Group. Collins Project Management managed the renovation, and Epsten Group was the Commissioning Agent.

Related Stories

| Sep 28, 2011

GBCI announces LEED fellow class of 2011

  LEED Fellows represent green building industry's most accomplished professionals.

| Sep 28, 2011

Opus Group awarded contract for new Church & Dwight Co. headquarters

The campus will include two 125,000-sf Class A, energy-efficient office buildings that will be designed and constructed with sustainable practices and elements. 

| Sep 23, 2011

Okanagan College sets sights on Living Buildings Challenge

The Living Building Challenge requires projects to meet a stringent list of qualifications, including net-zero energy and water consumption, and address critical environmental, social and economic factors. 

| Sep 23, 2011

Under 40 Leadership Summit

Building Design+Construction’s Under 40 Leadership Summit takes place October 26-28, 2011 Hotel at the Monteleone in New Orleans. Discounted hotel rate deadline: October 2, 2011.  

| Sep 16, 2011

Largest solar installation completed at Redskins' football stadium

On game days, solar power can provide up to 20% of FedExField’s power.

| Sep 16, 2011

Electrical installation work completed at Rhode Island DMV

The facility was renovated in order to better the working environment for DMV employees and streamline the experience for Rhode Island drivers.

| Sep 14, 2011

USGBC L.A. Chapter's Green Gala features Jason McLennan as keynote speaker

The Los Angeles Chapter of the nonprofit USGBC will launch its Sustainable Innovation Awards this year during the chapter's 7th Annual Green Gala on Thursday, November 3.

| Sep 14, 2011

Empire State Building achieves LEED Gold ?

The 2.85 million-sf building is celebrating its 80th anniversary while nearing completion of its renewal and repurposing to meet the needs of 21st Century businesses.

| Sep 12, 2011

Construction waste management

Best practices for an environmentally optimized job site.

| Sep 12, 2011

PVs play new roles as a teaching tool

Solar installations are helping K-12 schools around the country save money and teach students the intricacies of renewable energy sources.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021