Portfolio: Educational
Rohnert Park, California
Designed with high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, Sonoma State University Center involves the construction of a two story with partial third, multi-building complex of 132,500 gross sq. ft. that combines retail, food services, conference and events space, Student Union, Associated Students, Inc. and other office space functions. The projected benchmark for energy compliance is 25 to 30% better than T24 standards.
The HVAC system has four central indirect-direct evaporative cooling (IDEC) air-handling units ranging in size from 25,000-cfm to 40,000-cfm to serve the diverse needs of this multi-purpose building. This system is distinctively unique compared to conventional air-conditioned buildings because CB Engineer’s design removed 500 tons of peak cooling capacity out of a total of 640 ton building load. This is achieved through evaporating cooling with heat recovery to ensure no energy is wasted. And… with higher volumes of outside air supplied to the building yearlong, the building will have improved indoor air quality for its occupants. The remaining 150 ton supplemental cooling is provided by the campus central plant chilled water system, which uses thermal energy storage during off-peak hours. The cooling tertiary pumps also utilize variable speed drives to reduce pump motor energy.
The Building has a multiple full service kitchens designed with variable flow grease exhaust hoods and grease exhaust fans that utilize energy saving variable speed drives on the fan motors. Together with the removal of 45% of conventional cooling operating costs associated with the IDEC system, enhanced building envelope and hi-efficacy lighting, the project is targeting at least 5 LEED points for energy efficiency.
Reclaimed water with low flow water closets and urinals are utilized to achieve approximately 45% water savings and together with innovation credit will provide 4 LEED points.
The project has extensive electrical systems for which CB Engineers has provided design. The electrical site consists of power, telephone and cable television systems distribution with pathway lighting, complying with dark sky requirements. The lighting systems include high efficacy fixtures with occupancy sensors and dimming controls to minimize electrical energy use in the building.