| From wgba.org Case Studies The DNR Northeast Regional Headquarters in
Project Statement Goals The purpose of this project was to consolidate the main Northeast Region Headquarters and three additional leased offices onto a single site.
It allows the public access to all DNR staff and programs at one location and places the management of cooperating programs at a single facility. This facility replaces the DNR’s four previous office locations which were too spread out to efficiently serve the public and manage its’ programs. With a high performance building designed for sustainability and service, this facility provides a healthy, efficient environment for employees and visitors.
The new facility provides 34,560 SF of general office space for 156 DNR employees (130 FTEs) and includes a modest lobby/reception area, meeting room, and small conference room. There is a 13,835 SF detached shop storage building with partial heating for storing field equipment and radio repair. The site includes visitor parking spaces and staff spaces, plus a covered outdoor storage area.
Sustainable Sites • The metal standing seam roof material has both high-reflectance and high emissivity values. These reduce the heat island effect and minimize impact on microclimate, human, and wildlife habitats. • Contaminated water that flows into relieving waters disrupts stream and estuary habitats. This storm water treatment system limits this by removing a minimum of 80% of the annual post development total suspended solids (TSS) and 40% of the average annual post development total phosphorous (TP) by natural means. • Elimination of light trespass improves night sky access and reduces development impact on nocturnal environments. Site and building lighting was designed not to exceed the foot candle level requirements provided by the Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
Energy and Atmosphere • Building commissioning is a quality based method of ensuring and verifying that the design and construction are optimized and sets the stage for minimizing operation and maintenance costs. Both LEED fundamental and additional commissioning credits were obtained. • Natural resource extraction, air pollution, and water pollution can be greatly reduced by minimizing consumption of non renewable energy resources. Through extensive comparative analysis, it was found that the project achieves a 55% energy savings. • The issue of renewable energy was evaluated for this project. It was determined that without additional grant or research funds, a feasible source of renewable energy at this facility was not possible. The large south facing roof form on the main office building was set up with the anticipation that Photo Voltaic could be added in the future.
• Leaks in refrigeration circuits containing CFC have the potential to further deplete the ozone layer. Although no “ideal” alternatives have been developed, the use and selection of systems that do not contain HCFC or Halon in this facility limit this environmental concern. • Green electricity products produce less air pollution than conventional electrical products. This reduces acid rain, smog, global warming potential, and human health problems resulting from air contaminants. For a minimum period of two years, 100% of this building’s electrical consumption is being supplied from renewable energy through Wisconsin Public Service’s “Nature Wise” program.
Water Efficiency • Native plants and landscapes that have lower irrigation requirements tend to attract wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects, creating a building site that is integrated with the natural surroundings. In addition, the native plantings used require less fertilizer and fewer pesticides and, thus, reduce water quality impacts. No permanent landscape irrigation system was required. • The reduction of potable water use in this building through the use of low flow fixtures for toilets, shower heads, faucets, and waterless urinals, reduces the total amount of water drawn from rivers, streams, underground aquifers and other water bodies. Maximizing the water efficiency within the buildings also reduces the burden on municipal waste water treatment systems. This facility reduced its water consumption by almost 90,000 gallons annually.
Materials and Resources • By creating convenient recycling areas within the building, a significant portion of the solid waste stream can be diverted from landfills. The following, at a minimum, are being recycled by the building occupants: paper, glass, plastics, and metal. • The facility is constructed with a minimum of 25% building materials that contain in aggregate, a minimum weighted average of 20% post consumer recycled content or a minimum weighted average of 40% post industrial recycled content. • The office systems furniture was a salvaged product that was refurbished and reupholstered using 100% recycled fabric, with work surfaces made of formaldehyde-free strawboard. The salvaged furniture was environmentally a better choice, and yielded cost savings in excess of $250,000 when compared to purchasing new.
• Recycling of construction and demolition debris reduces demand for virgin resources, and in turn, reduces the environmental impacts associated with resource extraction and processing. For the project, construction waste was reduced by 86.6% (by weight) resulting in over $3500 in project savings. • An emphasis has been placed on products that are manufactured locally, thereby reducing the environmental impacts from transportation and supporting the regional economy. The facility was constructed with 66% of building materials manufactured regionally (within a radius of 500 miles).
Indoor Environmental Quality • Adherence to the ASHRAE 62-1999 requirements for ventilation rates and indoor air quality reduces the potential for adverse health effects from concentrated containment levels.
• The relationship between smoking and various health risks have been well documented. This facility prohibits smoking in the building and any locations on the exterior near entrances and mechanical system air intakes. • Ventilation rates are conventionally determined using ventilation standards for a particular building design. A better method of determining and maintaining adequate outdoor air ventilation rates in buildings is to measure carbon dioxide concentrations. The operational set point parameters in the CO2 monitoring system will ensure that levels are no higher than outdoor levels by more than 530 parts per million at any time.
• During construction, the minimum requirements of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association IAQ Guidelines for protecting stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture damage were exceeded. All filtration media prior to occupancy was replaced and has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds that contribute to air pollution inside and outside the building. Our specifications ensure we met, or are less than, VOC limit parameters for adhesives, sealants, and carpet.
• To avoid exposure of building occupants to potentially hazardous chemicals that adversely impact air quality, permanent entryway systems were provided to capture dirt particles from entering the building. In areas where chemical use occurs (including housekeeping areas and copy/print rooms) separate mechanical exhaust is furnished.
• Through careful consideration of the plan and external envelope, a minimum Daylight Factor of 2% in 86.5% of all spaces occupied for critical visual tasks was achieved. • Also achieved was a direct line of sight to vision glazing from 90% of all regularly occupied spaces not including copy rooms, storage areas, and mechanical and other low occupancy support areas.
Other Awards 2006 2005 2005 Governor’s Award for “Excellence in Sustainable Design & Construction” 2005 DNR Regional Headquarters
Gross Floor Area: 34,560 ft˛ 3 Floors
Project Cost: $4,900,000
Date of Completion: February 2005
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