High Performing Buildings - Spring 2008 - (Page 53) Building Components The 31 Tannery Project, located in Branchburg, N.J., serves as the corporate headquarters for Ferreira Construction and Ferreira Group. The building includes nine miles of radiant heat (80 zones), high performance rooftop units, a 96% efficient condensing boiler plant, 223 kW dc solar photovoltaic system, solar domestic hot water, integrated Webbased direct digital controls (DDC) system and pervasive voice/data/ video system with kiosk displays. During construction, monitoring for the two-story building’s renewable energy systems, conventional energy systems and high-efficiency systems was installed along with standard building controls. This allowed the building team to learn from operations and interactions of the systems, a critical component of commissioning. System integration and interactivity, employee awareness, dedication and feedback, and visualization and commissioning displays contributed to the sustained level of performance. Performance Process How did a company that builds roads and bridges achieve a net zero building? Ferreira’s Vice President of Construction Management Operations, Joseph Grabowski, AIA, and Director of Engineering, Edward Brzezowski, P.E., Member ASHRAE, codeveloped the project, drawing on their experience in building design, sustainability, construction management, commissioning and renewable energy. Using standard construction materials and readily available resources, the team applied three approaches to maximize results and return on investment: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and realtime monitoring and visualization of energy. To explain the process and benefits of energy efficiency + renewable energy + monitoring and visualization, the Ferreira team uses a diet + exercise + personal trainer metaphor. Dieting or adding energy efficiency is a good start for an out-of-shape building. B U I L D I N G AT A G L A N C E Building Name 31 Tannery Project Location 31 Tannery Road, Branchburg, N.J. Size 41,508 ft2 Started 2005 Completed 2006 Use Office and warehouse Cost $6 million Distinctions N.J. Clean Energy Award; N.J. Business and Industry Award for Environmental Project of the Year; Perfect 100 Point ENERGY STAR® Score; First building in N.J. to meet N.J. Executive Order 54; Radiant Flooring Association Commercial Project of the Year Award BUILDING TEAM Owner Ferreira Construction Architect Joseph Grabowski, AIA Engineer Edward Brzezowski, P .E. The Ferreira Companies builds roads and bridges. Grid-tied photovoltaics allow 31 Tannery to send surplus electricity supply to the grid for other companies to use. Spring 2008 HIGH PERFORMING BUILDINGS 53
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