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NREL's Research Support Facility

The Research Support Facility (RSF) is the laboratory's newest sustainable green building. This 222,000 ft2 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum office building is a showcase for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

The energy goal for the building is 32kBtu/ft2/year. A rooftop photovoltaic system was implemented along with other sustainable features, e.g., daylighting; natural ventilation; and a next-generation, energy efficient data center are just a few of the energy features of the building.

The RSF has won numerous awards for its innovative design, construction, and sustainable features.

PIX 16598 #16598 - NREL's Research Support Facilities (RSF) is planned to be the laboratory's next sustainable green building, due to be completed in the summer of 2010. This 218,000 ft2 office building will hold up to 800 employees and will be a showcase for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The energy goal for the building is 25kBtu-ft2-year. A rooftop photovoltaic system implemented through a Power Purchase Agreement; daylighting; natural ventilation; and a next-generation, energy efficient data center are just a few of the proposed energy features of the building.

PIX 17403 #17403 - Use of recycled materials was an important component to the design of the RSF. More than 19,000 linear feet of wood from trees killed by bark beetles was used to decorate the lobby of the new RSF. The curves and tilts in the wall make it a work of art. Harvested within 500 miles of the RSF, the 19,000 linear feet of beetle kill wood covers an entire side of the RSF atrium. But this is no ordinary wall. As it climbs through the lobby space, the wall tilts in and out giving it a 3-D look all on its own.

PIX 17820 #17820 - NREL's Research Support Facilities (RSF) is planned to be the laboratory's next sustainable green building, was completed in the summer of 2010. This 218,000 ft 2 office building will hold up to 800 employees and will be a showcase for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The energy goal for the building is 25kBtu/ft2 /year. A rooftop photovoltaic system implemented through a Power Purchase Agreement; daylighting; natural ventilation; and a next-generation, energy efficient data center are just a few of the proposed energy features of the building.

PIX 17833 #17833 - In this photos you can see the courtyard area at the Research Support Facility, RSF, and shows the window shading.

PIX 17904 #17904 - Office space in the RSF uses light louvers on the windows to control lighting. They can be used to let as much as a little light as needed.

PIX 18640 #18640 - Melting snow from the roof of the RSF flows into containment structures and then into landscaping around the building. One of the sustainable features to the building's exterior is the catch basins. Water flows off the roof, into the down spout, and then into catch basins lined with crushed glass. The water running through those troughs waters the trees and plants as it goes, providing much-needed supplemental water to the RSF vegetation.

PIX 18770 #18770 - Inside the Green Data Center at the Research Support Facility, Mic Stremel pulling out one of the racks. The racks and aisles are set up to allow maximum air flow for cooling.

PIX 19220 #19220 - An air intake structure outside the west wing of the Research Support Facility - nicknamed "the football" - takes in chilly night air to cool the data center. Such air-intake structures are key to lowering energy costs in the new building.

PIX 18825 #18825 - PV panels on the roof of the Research Support Facility, RSF

PIX 19089 #19089 - RSF expansion is nearing completion. Here it can be seen attached to the original Research Support Facility. PV panels can be seen on the roofs.