Science and Technology Facility Receives Showcase Award

Thursday, October 5, 2006

NREL's Science and Technology Facility (S&TF) received the 2006 Federal Energy Saver Showcase Award as part of the Federal Energy and Water Management Awards ceremony on Oct. 5 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes buildings that incorporate comprehensive energy management and stand out as exceptional models of energy efficiency, innovation and sustainable design.

"Our buildings are important teaching and outreach tools for design professionals and the public," Nancy Carlisle said. "The S&TF is a good example of the integration of good laboratory design coupled with aggressive energy and water saving and sustainable strategies."

The S&TF is expected to use 41 percent less energy than conventional construction, saving the Laboratory $96,000 per year. An efficient ventilation system with variable-air-volume supply and exhaust, coupled with heat recovery, low-flow fume hoods, evaporative cooling and an efficient central plant contribute to this savings. The building also incorporates 27 percent local or regional building materials; and 80 percent of the construction waste was recycled. In addition, the building has a storm water detention system, xeriscaping and low-flow water fixtures to reduce water consumption.

Carlisle submitted the award application with help from energy experts Otto Van Geet, Paul Torcellini and Shanti Pless, S&TF Project Manager Eric Telesmanich, Chief Operating Engineer for the S&TF Joe Drexler, S&TF Building Manager Chris Gaul and S&TF Technical Project Manager Pete Sheldon.