The Venter Laboratory: Zero Energy
Peter Rumsey, P.E., FASHRAE, Integral Group
Ted Hyman, FAIA, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF)
The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is a nonprofit, research, and support organization with more than 400 scientists and staff members dedicated to human, microbial, plant, and environmental genomic research, as well as exploring social and ethical issues in genomics and seeking alternative energy solutions through genomics. Integral Group is designing a net-zero mechanical system for the institute's new JCVI west laboratory facility. Through an integrated design process, the highly innovative approach to the design of this biotechnology laboratory building will deliver not only a state-of-the-art research facility, but a zero-carbon footprint and LEED® Platinum rated facility. This facility will serve as a model for the laboratory of the future. This high-performance biotechnology laboratory is planned to be a net-zero energy, zero-carbon operation, with chilled beams and water efficient strategies, such as rainwater catchment and water recycling.
Integral Group has designed a technologically innovative and creative system to achieve this ambitious and groundbreaking dual goal of net zero and LEED Platinum certification. All building energy will be provided from a photovoltaic array that, combined with optimized systems and plug loads, will provide the building's full energy demand. There will be no fuel use onsite as the heating system uses a heat pump that draws on various sources of waste heat and heat recovery. A 50,000 gallon water thermal storage system is an integral portion of the heat recovery system, providing a heat reservoir for the hot water heat pump and scavenging cooling from the domestic hot water system in the cooling season. An optimized medium temperature, chilled water system will be used with a magnetic bearing chiller and chilled beams for delivery. Active sensing technology will be used to control a laboratory ventilation purge, while also allowing for continuous monitoring of contamination levels in the space and the safe use of a lower ventilation rate. Heat recovery from the exhaust will preheat incoming air on the coldest days, which is a small annual savings but serves to minimize the heating plant size (and first cost). The site will feature onsite water treatment with reuse of both treated water and rainwater capture for solar cell wash, toilet flushing, irrigation, and various other building water demands.
Combining the pioneering science of the JCVI and its emphasis on exploration, alternate energy solutions, and applied solutions with Integral Group's passion for making net-zero energy and living buildings, the norm will result in a building that demonstrates to the world that technology can create solutions for the energy challenges of the day.
Biographies:
A national leader in the design of low-energy buildings, Peter Rumsey has designed mechanical systems for data centers, cleanrooms, and laboratories that are among the most energy efficient in the United States. Mr. Rumsey is a registered professional engineer in 10 states, a certified energy manager, and a senior fellow of the Rocky Mountain Institute. Mr. Rumsey is a graduate of the University of California (UC), Berkeley's, mechanical engineering program and is a frequent lecturer at industry events, conferences, colleges, and universities, including UC Berkeley and Stanford University. Throughout his career, Mr. Rumsey has focused on transforming the building industry by designing affordable and dramatically energy-efficient buildings.
Ted Hyman is managing partner of ZGF's Los Angeles office. Focused on technical design and project delivery, Mr. Hyman has led teams for many of the firm's most challenging and technologically complex projects, taking responsibility for the programming, management, coordination, production, and construction administration. Mr. Hyman has been responsible for guiding the design and implementation of a broad range of research facilities, hospitals, courthouses, and other civic buildings nationally. In addition, Mr. Hyman has a particular passion for integrated design and developing strategies for the integration of sustainable systems, materials, and technology, including the design of one of the greenest buildings in the United States, the J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla, California, which will have a LEED Platinum rating and net-zero energy/net-zero waste water.