Winner: Institutional Buildings Category
CRES 2008 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Design in Buildings Award (HOME)

Notable Energy Efficiency Features:

Building orientation and sun control on south windows Water saving - storm water collection & xeriscaping and low water consuming fixtures Recycling – 80% of construction waste Energy efficient mechanical systems – 41% reduction compared to comparable laboratory Variable air volume (VAV) underfloor air distribution system Low-flow chemical fume hoods and laminar flow hoods 100 percent daylighting in first-floor office spaces between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Daylighting meets 50 percent of the laboratory lighting needs LEED Platinum award

NREL Science & Technology Facility

Golden, Colorado 80401

Participants:
Lab Owner: U.S. Department of Energy
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Construction Company: MA Mortenson
Architect: SmithGroup
Structural Engineer: Paul Koehler Leffler
Civil Engineer: Martin & Martin
Casework Company: Jordy Carter
Flooring Company: Expert Flooring
Fume Hood Companies:
NuAire Inc.
Clean Air Products
Kewaunee Scientific Corp.
Laboratory Fixtures Company: Jordy Carter
Laboratory Furniture Company: Jordy Carter
Laboratory Planning: SmithGroup
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing: SmithGroup

Download: NREL S&TF Brochure (PDF)

"The Science & Technology Facility at the U.S.
Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a 71,347 sq. ft. laboratory building designed to accelerate development and commercialization of promising new renewable energy technologies. Located in Golden, Colorado on the NREL main research campus, the building was completed in late 2006, creating a new type of laboratory space that stimulates communication between government, industry and academic scientists and engineers as they try to resolve complex R&D issues confronting the next generation of solar technologies.

"It is a state-of-the-art research facility that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing distinctive, fitting snugly into the natural environment. It boasts beautifully lighted work spaces with interaction areas that encourage collaboration. And it incorporates passive solar and whole-building energy efficiency strategies that reduce its energy consumption by 41percent over similar laboratory buildings.

"The Science & Technology Facility was the first federal building, and the first laboratory, to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation as one of the world’s most energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings."