Building Design Inherently Reduces Energy at Buffalo State College's New Science Complex

Punit Jain, Cannon Design
Jerome Bobak, Cannon Design

The Buffalo State Science Complex utilizes a centralized duct and piping distribution shaft that runs the length of the new structure (also known as the “spine”). All laboratories are arranged along the spine, which results in a very efficient distribution system. A common supply duct header and exhaust duct header in the penthouse feed the duct risers in the spine.

Energy is saved in at least two ways:

  • Because the duct runs from the spine risers are so short, the supply and laboratory exhaust fan systems see less air flow resistance (static). Less resistance means less horsepower used, saving substantial energy over the life of the building.
  • The spine concept allows for much smaller horizontal ductwork than a traditional laboratory building. Smaller ductwork allows the floor-to-floor heights to be significantly reduced (down to 13 feet in lieu of typical laboratory requirements of 16 to 18 feet), reducing the amount of construction material required for the project, which saves money and decreases the energy expended to produce materials for construction.

The duct risers are configured to correlate with the modular floor plan system. With a supply duct riser and an exhaust duct riser no more than 25 feet from any point in any laboratory, equipment changes or even substantial program reorganization can be easily accommodated in the future.

Air supplied into the building's west exposure corridor is used as make-up air for adjacent laboratory rooms via transfer duct assembly. The Building Automation System (BAS) adjusts the room pressurization offset CFM to allow more make-up air from the corridor, as the corridor supply air volumes increase to meet higher west-facing corridor cooling loads. By increasing amounts of make-up air from the corridors, less supply air is delivered directly into the laboratories. The result is less energy used to condition outdoor air. Also, as less direct supply air is delivered, the reheat load and associated energy is minimized or eliminated.

The entire project is designed using Revit Building Information Modeling Software. This model goes beyond simple three-dimensional coordination, as each element in the model contains a data set that allows better coordination and connectivity to all disciplines involved in the design of that element. This includes all architecture, structure, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems. The software has been used to generate schedules, and to facilitate estimating.

Biographies:

Punit Jain, a graduate of Washington University with a Master's degree in architecture and construction management, is a key member of Cannon Design's Science & Technology practice, with extensive experience in laboratory architecture. He serves as Cannon Design's sustainable design leader, responsible for promoting high-performance design through LEED® accreditation, conducting training for the firm's professionals, and championing sustainable design practices. Validating this commitment, Mr. Jain was appointed to the National Board of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)—the originator of the LEED system, and widely recognized as one of the most influential institutions in the sustainable movement worldwide. A Rotary Foundation Scholar, Mr. Jain has taught at the School of Art & Design at Maryville University and St. Louis Community College and serves as a visiting critic for the schools of architecture at Washington University and the University of Illinois at Champaign, Urbana. An accomplished speaker, Mr. Jain is a frequent presenter at major industry forums including Labs21, the Sierra Club, the Missouri Biotechnology Association, as well as USGBC, where he also served as President of its St. Louis Chapter. He most recently presented at the 2009 Society of College and University Professionals' Pacific Regional Conference.

Jerome Bobak, LEED AP, a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree, has more than 23 years of experience in mechanical systems. He has proven expertise designing HVAC systems for corporate, educational, scientific, and healthcare facilities. Bobak's recent project work includes State University of New York College at Buffalo Science Building; a 170,000-square-foot multi-phased renovation of a four story science building to create a comprehensive "Science Center”; and Stony Brook University Medical Center Expanded Program, a $120-million addition and renovation project that includes women's and infants' services, emergency, and surgery. Currently, he is engaged in a new, 90,000-square-foot Nanotechnology Complex at Sabanci University in Istanbul, Turkey. Mr. Bobak is a TEGA award-winning member of ASHRAE and USGBC.