Chemistry Laboratory Renovation Uses New Technology to Make A Difference
James Hill, AIA, LEED AP®, BSA LifeStructures
Universities and institutions with laboratory facilities are struggling to improve energy efficiency, manage costs, and provide safe environments for students and staff while operating high-energy-demand facilities with sophisticated equipment. Butler University is taking advantage of a science facility renovation to explore new technologies to achieve its efficiency, sustainability and safety goals.
At 40 years old, one of Butler University's science facilities, Gallahue Hall, could no longer maintain a consistent air quality level. The project renovates approximately 7,000 square feet, including two organic chemistry teaching laboratories, two general chemistry teaching laboratories and a chemical storeroom/prep room with fume hoods. The solution could easily have been to upgrade HVAC systems, replace fume hoods with newer versions of the current models, add more hoods and replace much of the existing HVAC system. It would have improved air quality and would have improved energy efficiencies somewhat.
But the university did not stop there. Actually, the university did not even start there. The university and the project designers challenged each other to come up with alternatives that would have a significant impact on energy savings and long-term operating costs, while still providing high quality learning environments. The project team evaluated the alternatives based on several factors, including ease of use and safety for faculty and students, accessibility for maintenance, purchase and installation (first) costs, flexibility, and ability to meet classroom requirements. Also key in making the final decision was the long-term total cost analysis.
The final solution includes two technologies new to Butler University: campus ductless fume hoods and light emitting diode (LED) lighting.
A total of 27 ductless fume hoods will be installed in the chemistry laboratories and prep room. The ductless technology allows the elimination of almost all existing air supply and exhaust in the renovated rooms. The lack of ducts also allows the equipment to be easily moved and relocated. Locating filters in the hood instead of in the air-handling system makes the filters easier to access and maintain. Combined, these features significantly reduce maintenance and operations costs.
LED lighting will replace current lighting fixtures. The energy required to power LEDs is virtually the same as for fluorescents, but the use of LED offers several advantages for the university. LED use eliminates hazardous waste management associated with fluorescents and maintenance associated with ballast replacement. LED fixtures are expected to last two-and-a-half times longer than fluorescents, thereby reducing maintenance and long-term costs.
During this presentation, the speaker will discuss the decision process and Butler University's new and different solution.
Biography:
James Hill has 25 years of experience in the planning and design of science and research facilities. Mr. Hill strives to create functional layouts that incorporate the latest technology and can adapt as research evolves. Mr. Hill's experience in research facility design gives him an understanding of the technical issues involved in complex laboratory environments and their support systems, knowledge of emerging design trends, and many lessons learned. Mr. Hill works collaboratively to create user-centered spaces that inspire discovery. Mr. Hill's clients have included Butler University, Indiana University (IU), Purdue University, Northern Illinois University, the University of Notre Dame, Eli Lilly and Company, and IU Health.