Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp.
Award of Merit: Small Projects
The Wisconsin Energy Conversation Corp. headquarters is a two-story office building with a wooded background and access to transportation corridors.
The building is about 35,438 sq ft on 5.2 acres in the University Research Park in Madison, Wis.
Substantial focus of the design was placed on reduction of the use of energy. WECC was striving for LEED Gold certification.
A 40% to 50% reduction is expected over a conventional building through the optimization of daylighting, electric lighting and mechanical systems. Native landscaping, bioswales/raingardens, green-grid roof garden and 3,500 ft of pervious pavement reduce run-off and need for irrigation.
Sustainable Elements
Several sustainable elements were incorporated into the project.
Native plants were incorporated into the landscape, and these require less water and eliminate the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Three rain garden bioswales and a canopy roof garden were placed to reduce water runoff.
A high-efficiency heating and cooling system with adjustable speed drives for return and supply air is a key factor contributing to the 40% reduction in energy costs. Other elements include building shell improvements, energy efficient lighting, renewable energy systems and a ventilation unit that recovers almost 60% of the heat and moisture from the exhaust.
Photovoltaic panels on the roof and photovoltaic flags in the parking area generate 19 kW of the building’s electrical energy. Solar domestic water heater panels provide 40% of energy used for hot water showers and dish washing.
About 90% of the wood inside and on the exterior was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Trees on the site damaged by storms or in the way of the building were crafted into a reception desk. About 95% of the construction waste was recycled.
Daylighting is optimized through exterior sunshades over the lower windows, interior light shelves and Solatubes.
The building features increased fresh-air intake, improved air filtration and high ventilation effectiveness. Paint, finishes and adhesives had low volatile organic compounds to reduce fumes.
Pervious paving and landscaping pavers allows rain to seep into the ground, and preferred parkiong is available to those who choose to carpool and use hybrid vehicles.
Jury Comments: “It’s energy efficient. They had Boy Scouts help build desks. They generate 14% of the building’s electrical energy. It’s not pretty, but the they involved the community and did a lot with sustainability.”
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