2003 Closing the Circle Award Winner, Sustainable Design

Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL) used sustainable design principles in constructing the Model Validation and Systems Certification Test Center (MVSCTC). Built with the LEED criteria in mind, this building was a renovation project that included a pollution prevention and resource conservation committee to advocate sustainable design as a part of the SNL team. To successfully create this high performance building, requirements and expectations were incorporated as early as possible in program documents and a methodology was established to ensure that the expectations were met. Additionally, the team met weekly with the construction contractor during construction to make sure that the contractor was meeting deliverables and project goals.

• Siting: In order to save materials, more than 70 percent of the existing building was retained, and 65 percent of the construction debris from the previous structure was reused. In the end, 20 percent of the final project was composed of recycled content materials. Additionally, SNL limited the construction site to a confined area so that the neighboring landscape was not modified or harmed.

• Energy Efficiency: To become more energy efficient, SNL used an integrated approach. The walls, roofs and windows were insulated to help prevent temperature loss, while the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system was chosen based on a life cycle cost analysis. A thermo-plastic olefin roof with an insulation value of R-30 and a white reflective coating reduce heat gain. Windows contain high performance, low-e glazing, and day-lighting is maximized. Also, dimmers and sensors helped to save light energy.

• Water Efficiency: Because it is located in a dry climate, SNL used drought tolerant plants for landscaping and low albedo surfaces to reduce storm water run-off. An irrigation system is in use now but will be replaced with a harvested water system and natural rainfall in the future. Water efficient plumbing fixtures were installed. On-demand electric water heaters will be used for faucets and showers to save water and energy.

• Materials and Recycling: Concrete, insulation, and laminated paperboard all contain recycled content in accordance with EPA's recycled content recommendations. More than 65 percent of construction debris was recycled, including land clearing debris, fluorescent lamps, concrete masonry blocks, copper wire, and scrap metals. In additions, items such as sinks and hardware were removed and sent for reuse.

• Indoor Air Quality: After the completion of construction, the indoor air was flushed for a two-week period to ensure the removal of air contaminants such as volatile organics. All paints, sealers and adhesives are low VOC products. Also, in order to monitor carbon dioxide levels, sensors were placed throughout the building to ensure necessary air exchange during occupancy. MVSCTC was built with sustainable measures with no extra costs.

SNL expects to save approximately $1-2 million per year from the energy saving devices and procedures. For more information please contact, Brett Locke (505) 844-6818 or bmlocke@sandia.gov.