Robinson Technology Building at Norfolk State University

Project Narrative

The renovation of the four story masonry and concrete Robinson Technology Building was the first

major construction on the existing building since its completion in 1973. The 76,779 square foot

building houses the Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology departments, as well as specialized

classrooms/lab space and a Dean’s suite. Minor modifications of the existing lecture room have

provided additional handicap accessibility.

In addition to providing the spaces necessary to better handle the needs of the departments housed

within, the Robinson Technology Renovation incorporates high performance, ‘green’ design and

construction principles and standards. During early planning efforts for the project, the University and

the A/E team identified the Robinson Technology Building as a prime candidate for improved

environmental and economic performance using the LEED®-NC v2.1 Green Building Rating System as the

benchmarking tool of choice. In September of 2007, the Robinson Technology Building earned 31 points

and became the first facility on the Norfolk State University campus to earn LEED certification.

The design team took advantage of the existing building’s location in determining the necessary

elements of the project site. The building’s central location on the Norfolk State University campus,

near high density residential zones, offers pedestrian access to at least 10 basic services and multiple

transit lines. The project’s central location also precluded the need for constructing additional parking.

In keeping with the goals outlined in the LEED Rating System, the project team was driven to reuse as

much of the existing building as possible, thereby limiting the amount of new construction necessary.

Over 95% of the existing building’s structure, shell, and interior elements were reused. The existing

brick exterior was upgraded to accommodate a new operable window system and the roof was

upgraded to be EnergyStar compliant.

The building’s HVAC system was well past its useful life and was also upgraded as part of the project. In

addition to being old and inefficient, the existing system utilized CFC refrigerants. All existing HVAC

components were removed and replaced with a water cooled chiller, high efficiency condensing boilers,

air-handlers with energy recovery, and hot water reheat fan-powered VAV boxes. The new mechanical

system also utilizes R134A and R407C HFC refrigerants. Energy models indicate that, after replacing the

existing equipment and upgrading the building’s envelope, the renovated building outperforms ASHRAE

90.1-1999 by approximately 43%.

The replacement of existing lavatories with 0.5 gallon-per-minute varieties was predicted to save the

building over 120,000 gallons of potable water per year when compared with the EPAct 1992 baseline

case. Native landscaping does not require a permanent irrigation system, which saves potable water as

well.

Materials used to complete the renovation were sourced from regional manufacturers and included

high recycled content. More than 50% of the dollars spent on wood products were spent on FSC-

certified wood materials. More than 725 tons of waste material was diverted from local landfills; this

equates to more than 65% of the total waste generated during construction.

In order to provide improved air quality, odorous materials, such as adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets,

and composite wood, were selected based on multiple characteristics, including adherence to the VOC

guidelines referenced by LEED. The effectiveness of the project’s “low-odor” requirements was verified

through independent third party testing of the quality of the indoor air at the conclusion of

construction. In addition to low-VOC materials and indoor air quality testing, carbon dioxide sensors

help to provide adequate ventilation to occupied spaces.

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Norfolk State Univeristy Robinson Technology BuildingProject # 10001228

Certification Level: Certified LEED for New r i 2.0/2.1 Const uct on v September 12, 2007

31 Points Achieved Possible Points: 69Certified 26 to 32 points Silver 33 to 38 points Gold 39 to 51 points Platinum 52 or more points

5 Sustainable Sites Possible Points: 14 5 Materials & Resources Possible Points: 13Y Y

Y Prereq 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control Y Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables1 Credit 1 Site Selection 1 1 Credit 1.1 Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Shell 11 Credit 2 Development Density 1 1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% of Shell 1

Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% Shell & 50% Non 1-Shell1 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1 Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% 1

Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% 1Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Vehicles 1 Credit 3.1 Resource Reuse, Specify 5% 1

1 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity & Carpooling 1 Credit 3.2 Resource Reuse, Specify 10% 1Credit 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open Space 1 1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, Specify 5% 1Credit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance, Development Footprint 1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, Specify 10% 1Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate & Quantity 1 1 Credit 5.1 Local/Regional Materials, 20% Manufacture 1d LocallyCredit 6.2 Stormwater Management, Treatment 1 Credit 5.2 Local/Regional Materials, of 20% Above, 50% 1 Harvested LocallyCredit 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Non-Roof 1 Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1

1 Credit 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Roof 1 1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

7 Indoor Environmental Quality Possible Points: 153 Water EfficiencyWater Efficiency PossiblePossible P oints:Points: 5 Y

Y Y Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance1 Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% 1 Y Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Cont1 Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 1 Credit 1 Carbon Dioxide Monitoring 1

Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 1 Credit 2 Ventilation Effectiveness 11 Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1 Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During 1 Construction

Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1 1 Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before 1 Occupancy1 Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants 1

8 Energy & Atmosphere Possible Points: 17 1 Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints 1Y 1 Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet 1Y Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning 1 Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood & Ag 1rifiber ProductsY Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance 1 Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Cont 1rolY Prereq 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Perimeter 11 Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance, 15% New / 5% Existing 1 Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Non-Perimeter 11 Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance, 20% New / 10% Existing 1 Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Comply with ASHRAE 55-1992 11 Credit 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance, 25% New / 15% Existing 1 Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Permanent Monitoring System 11 Credit 1.4 Optimize Energy Performance, 30% New / 20% Existing 1 Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces 11 Credit 1.5 Optimize Energy Performance, 35% New / 25% Existing 1 Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Spaces 11 Credit 1.6 Optimize Energy Performance, 40% New / 30% Existing 11 Credit 1.7 Optimize Energy Performance, 45% New / 35% Existing 1 3 Innovation & Design Process Possible Points: 5

Credit 1.8 Optimize Energy Performance, 50% New / 40% Existing 1 Y

Credit 1.9 Optimize Energy Performance, 55% New / 45% Existing 1 1 Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Green Building Education 1Credit 1.10 Optimize Energy Performance, 60% New / 50% Existing 1 1 Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Thermal Comfort Verifica 1tionCredit 2.1 Renewable Energy, 5% 1 Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design: 1Credit 2.2 Renewable Energy, 10% 1 Credit 1.4 Innovation in Design: 1Credit 2.3 Renewable Energy, 15% 1 1 Credit 2 LEED® Accredited Professional 1Credit 3 Additional Commissioning 1

1 Credit 4 Ozone Depletion 1Credit 5 Measurement & Verification 1Credit 6 Green Power 1

Energy Saving Measures Proposed Building ASHRAE 90.1 MINIMUM Notes1. Glass shading coefficient/solar heat gain coefficient (SC/SHGC) 0.45 / 0.39 0.45 / 0.39 Proposed building overall SHGC for fixed windows per Table B-11

for non-residential buildings

2. Glass U Value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) 0.37 0.57 Proposed building overall U value for fixed windows per Table B-11 for non-residential buildings - 10.1% to 20.0%

3. Wall U value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) 0.067 0.151Proposed building U value for metal building walls above grade perTable B-11 for non-residential buildings using minimum R-13 insulation

4. Roof U value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) 0.0365 0.063Proposed building U value for roofs with metal building construction per Table B-11 for non-residential buildings using minimum R-15 continuous insulation

5. Water Cooled Chiller efficiency - kW/ton (COP) 0.623 (5.67) 0.718 (4.90)Proposed building water cooled chiller (COP) per Table 6.2.1C for Water Cooled, Electrically Operated, Positive Displacement (Rotary Screw) > 150 tons and < 300 tons

6. Cooling Tower, Centrufugal Fan > 20.0 gpm/hp > 20.0 gpm/hp Proposed building heat rejection per Table 6.2.1G for centrifugal fan cooling tower

7. Enthalpy wheel efficiency external to air handlers for sensible and latent recovery from shop drawings (ERU-1 for AHU-9) 81.0% Not Applicable

Not required to be modeled for budget building for air handling units larger than 5,000 cfm per Section 6.3.6.1 since outside air cfm is not greater than or equal to 70% of supply air cfm

8. Enthalpy wheel efficiency internal to air handlers for sensible and latent recovery from shop drawings (AHU-8) 76.0% Not Applicable

Not required to be modeled for budget building for air handling units larger than 5,000 cfm per Section 6.3.6.1 since outside air cfm is not greater than or equal to 70% of supply air cfm

9. Enthalpy wheel efficiency external to air handlers for sensible and latent recovery from shop drawings (ERV-1 for AHU-10 and 11)

92.0% Not ApplicableNot required to be modeled for budget building for air handling units larger than 5,000 cfm per Section 6.3.6.1 since outside air cfm is not greater than or equal to 70% of supply air cfm

10. Air-Cooled Chiller kW/ton (COP) 0.9 (3.91) 1.26 (2.80) Proposed building chiller (COP) per table 6.2.1C for Air-Cooled, with condenser, Electrically Operated < 150 tons

11. Boiler efficiency - % (Gas fired) 86% 75% Proposed Building boiler efficiency per Table 6.2.1F for boilers sized > 300,000 Btu/h and < 2,500,000 Btu/h

12. Lighting Densities (W/sf) 1.3 1.4 Proposed Building Lighting Power Densities per Table 9.3.1.2 for the Space-By-Space Method for School/University.

EA Credit 1.1-1.10: Optimize Energy Performance Robinson Technology Building - NSU

Quantitative summary table showing the energy saving measures incorporated into the proposed building design analysis versus the ASHRAE 90.1 - 2001 minimum building design requirements.

Energy Saving Measures Budget Building Notes1. Glass SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) 0.88 The buildings original construction information provided by

the architect from 1972.

2. Glass U Value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) 1.04 The buildings original construction information provided by the architect from 1972.

3. Wall U value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) Single story = 0.119, Four story = 0.463

The buildings original construction information provided by the architect from 1972.

4. Roof U value - BTU/hr/sf (insulating value) 0.128 The buildings original construction information provided by the architect from 1972.

5. Water Cooled Chiller efficiency - kW/ton (COP) 0.718 (4.90)Budget building water cooled chiller (COP) per Table 6.2.1C for Water Cooled, Electrically Operated, Positive Displacement (Rotary Screw) > 150 tons and < 300 tons

6. Cooling Tower, Centrufugal Fan > 20.0 gpm/hp Budget building heat rejection per Table 6.2.1G for centrifugal fan cooling tower

7. Enthalpy wheel efficiency integral to air handlers for sensible and latent recovery (ERU-1) Not Applicable

Not required to be modeled for budget building for air handling units larger than 5,000 cfm per Section 6.3.6.1 since outside air cfm is not greater than or equal to 70% of supply air cfm

8. Enthalpy wheel efficiency external to air handlers for sensible and latent recovery (ERV-1) Not Applicable

Not required to be modeled for budget building for air handling units larger than 5,000 cfm per Section 6.3.6.1 since outside air cfm is not greater than or equal to 70% of supply air cfm

9. Air-Cooled Chiller kW/ton (COP) 1.26 (2.80) Budget building chiller (COP) per table 6.2.1C for Air-Cooled, with condenser, Electrically Operated < 150 tons

10. Boiler efficiency - % (Gas fired) 75% Budget Building boiler efficiency per Table 6.2.1F for boilers sized > 300,000 Btu/h and < 2,500,000 Btu/h

11. Lighting Densities (W/sf) 1.4 Budget Building Lighting Power Densities per Table 9.3.1.2 for the Space-By-Space Method for School/University.

EA Credit 1.1-1.10: Optimize Energy Performance Robinson Technology Building - NSU

Quantitative summary table showing the energy saving measures incorporated into the budget building design analysis per the buildings original construction criteria for the envelope and ASHRAE 90.1 - 2001 for equipment and lighting requirements.