We were presented a number of awards ranging from sustainable to
mechanical to lighting design.
by the AIA Committee on the Environment Projects (COTE). COTE's awards program is
now in its 19
feature passive design and natural systems.
recognition.
The first award recipient, the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI designed by ZGF Architects)
is a not-for-profit, research organization with approximately 300 scientist and staff. The
new laboratory and research facility set out to be the first biological lab in the country to
achieve LEED Platinum certification with a net-zero energy footprint. Integral Group was
tasked with the challenge to design mechanical and electrical building systems for this
highly sustainable facility through an integrated design process.
Seeking to be the first true net zero energy lab in the world, the laboratory and research
centre relies on on-site power generation and a reduction of a minimum of at least
50% less energy use, opposed to buying carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality.
In addition, the design incorporates water efficient strategies, such as no runoff, 100%
rainwater catchment on-site and water recycling; net-zero waste water and a reduction of
domestic water demand by 50%. Rainwater is then captured and re-used with mechanical
filtering and UV disinfection.
panels, in addition to optimized systems and plug loads, reducing the building's full
energy demand. Other design elements include the use of a palette of local plant species,
minimizing the need for maintenance, irrigation, or mowing, and the creation of a natural
habitat for local wildlife. Natural air ventilation is provided to all offices as well as natural
light to all occupied spaces, providing a superior interior environmental quality.
Nancy Maribel
Communications
Integral Group
Vancouver
Institute, La Jolla, California,
USA. The J. Craig Venter
Institute is a not-for-profit,
research organization with
approximately 300 scientist
and staff
Institute, La Jolla, California,
USA. The entire electrical load
is generated on-site from
roof-mounted photovoltaic
panels, in addition to optimized
systems and plug loads,
reducing the building's full
energy demand
15, San Francisco, California,
USA. The Exploratorium is an
internationally known science
museum focused on hands-on
exhibits of natural phenomena