Grand Junction, Colo., courthouse aims to be first net-zero building on National Register of Historic Places
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After a two year renovation, the 95-year-old Wayne S. Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse in Grand Junction, Colo., is being evaluated for LEED Platinum status and may become the National Register of Historic Places’ first net-zero-energy building.
Building systems performance is being measured and verified against energy targets by project architect, Westlake Reed Leskosky, for one year that began in April 2013.
The 41,562-sf, four-story Neoclassical building has been used continuously since it was first built in 1918. A rooftop canopy houses a large photovoltaic solar array, which underwent scrutiny from preservationists who were concerned about its visibility from the main entrance.
With metering and monitoring of energy usage playing a key role in net-zero energy goals, data from lighting, receptacle use, HVAC equipment loads, and carbon dioxide levels is displayed in the lobby so that adjustments can be made on-the-fly and lights can be automatically turned off when occupancy sensors determine that an area is not being used. Other green features include closed-cell, spray-foam insulation with pre- and post-consumer recycled content along perimeter walls, solar-control film on interior storm windows, and a 32-well geothermal exchange system.
