How We Built Sustainability into the “Lab of the Year”

Challenge

Identify and analyze sustainable opportunities in the design of a complex geochemistry lab for Columbia University.

Approach

• Altanova led a NYSERDA-sponsored new construction project for advanced energy modelling and analysis for a 69,000 SF geochemistry laboratory building.
• The building included wet labs, high-hazard areas, offices and conference rooms, making the design extremely complex.

Results

• We identified innovative measures such as lighting and ventilation controlled by occupancy sensors, energy recovery ventilation and high-efficiency air-cooled chillers.
• Their energy consumption was reduced by by 16% compared to the original design, the building achieved LEED Silver certification and was named “Lab of the Year” by R&D Daily magazine