2004 Closing the Circle Award Honorable Mention, Sustainable Design

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pursued sustainable building objectives while developing the new Alaska Tsunami Warning Facility in Palmer, Alaska. This building is the first LEED certified building in Alaska and is used to monitor potential tsunamigenic earthquakes in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia. On account of the important mission performed in the building and its location in a seismic zone, the building is an earthquake resilient structure, implements energy conservation requirements in a severe weather environment, has complete redundancy of all major support systems, requires minimum building maintenance, and is sensitive to the environment.

• Construction and Demolition Recycling: NOAA saved money in numerous places in order to come in under budget, one of which is the site choice for the facility. The building was constructed on an existent disturbed construction site. During construction, the developers recycled or reused more than 300 tons of materials, including the foundation of the old building.

• Energy Efficiency: NOAA maximizes green initiatives with on-site recycling, relocation and reuse of existing structures, arctic-engineered wall/roof envelope system, triple exterior window units, direct digital HVAC controls, low VOC/formaldehyde products and various water conservation measures.

The construction did not take longer than the allotted timeframe and actually cost less than the government cost estimate. Furthermore, additional savings will occur over time through reduced maintenance, water and energy costs. NOAA reduced energy consumption by 30 percent and saved more than 500 CCF (100 cubic feet) of natural gas.

For more information please contact, Bernie Denno at (301) 713-2870 ext. 101 or Bernie.denno@noaa.gov.