Energy Savings: Sherman Fairchild Renovation

We consistently work towards incorporating energy-saving tactics into the buildings we design. We profile projects detailing energy-saving statistics. We are committed to energy-efficient spaces and reducing the environmental impact of each building.

This month we’re looking at the recently completed Sherman Fairchild Renovation at Harvard University. In 2009, PAYETTE was retained by Harvard University to plan, program and design the comprehensive renovation of a 100,000 square foot research building constructed in 1978 and originally designed by PAYETTE and which recently has achieved Platinum the highest level of certification under the USGBC’s LEED for LEED 2009 Commercial Interiors (CI) rating system. Quite a few elements have changed since the original build – the use of technology, the topics of research and standards of energy efficient design.

Because we believe that successful research environments must meet both the functional needs of science and the behavioral needs of human beings, we focused on strategies which placed these spaces adjacent to the exterior envelope where they could benefit from natural light and views outside. Additionally, the labs were laid out in zones of energy usage to allow the mechanical systems to be optimized for those needs. The project achieved the Platinum level of LEED Certification in March 2012, an achievement accomplished by only 6% of projects that have pursued LEED Certification. Achieving 95 points out of the 110 possible, this is currently the highest LEED points achieved for any research lab.

Less energy use compared to a traditional lab lighting scheme due to the lighting strategies employed. In the open lab area, a base level ambient light was provided by overhead pendant fixtures. An LED task fixture, custom designed with Lightolier, was integrated into the end of an extended top shelf of the lab bench. The combination of the two sources provided the required foot candles at the bench surface. Daylight simulations were performed that showed this strategy along with sensors and daylight dimming would result in the energy usage reduction.

Reduction in lighting energy.

Reduction in steam.

Reduction in electricity.

This savings is equal to the energy usage of 128 residential homes.

Of the building area is naturally ventilated

Reduction in Toilet Water through Greywater System

The water saved annually is equal to the volume of over 4,200 bathtubs.

Saved a year payback on HVAC System.