High Performing Buildings - Winter 2011 - (Page 63)

in place of the typically required storm water control tanks and filters. However, Colorado water rights law, based on the principal of prior appropriation common to many western states, precludes the capture and reuse of storm water because rights to that use are assumed to be owned by others. The design team worked closely with regulatory agencies to design a vegetated roof system with minimal water retention capability — just enough to irrigate the area. A joint effort by the design team, the EPA and national experts to present documented performance data, together with a commitment by the EPA to monitor and test the effectiveness of the system for a five-year trial period, convinced local authorities to approve the vegetated roof. The team presented studies comparing vegetated roof runoff rate reductions with standard methods for quantifying hydrologic runoff. It also provided studies showing vegetated roofs’ removal rates of phosphates, organic matter and other pollutants. Through a coalition of the EPA, Colorado State University and the Denver Botanical Garden, the vegetated roof continues to serve as a test bed for storm water management, new plant breeds for the Front Range area and urban heat island reduction. e n e R g y At A g l A n C e energy use intensity (site) 74.3 kBtu/ft2 electricity 44.3 kBtu/ft2 district steam 30 kBtu/ft2 renewable energy data unavailable Annual source energy 192 kBtu/ft2 Annual energy Cost index (eCi) $1.72/ft2 savings vs. standard 90.1-1999 design Building 25.4% energY sTAr rating 96 (2008) optimizing Active Systems An integrated suite of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems are designed to work in conjunction with the building’s architecture and structure, supplying only the required supplementary conditioning at any given time and allowing the building to take advantage of its passive features. © robert Canfield Above Water trickles down a sloped stone wall (upper left), under a raised walkway and next to a lobby bench. The water feature, reminiscent of a Colorado stream, contributes to the ambiance of the lobby and adds a small amount of humidity to the building. Left The two-story lobby and nine-story atrium serve as the “hearth” of the building, providing a light-filled informal gathering area. The building team selected rapidly renewable or high recycled content materials including flooring made from bamboo, recycled tires and natural cork. © robert Canfield Winter 2011 HigH Performing Buildings 63

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Winter 2011

High Performing Buildings - Winter 2011
Commentary
Contents
Portland State's Shattuck Hall
Oberlin College's Adam Joseph Lewis Center
Dell Children's Medical Center
CMTA Office Building
EPA Region 8 Headquarters
Honda's East Liberty, Marysville Auto Plants
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Winter 2011