The net-zero-energy ready design is set to exceed all of ASHRAE’s own energy and indoor environmental standards to achieve a high-performing and environmentally sustainable building.
“ASHRAE is excited to demonstrate innovative leadership in our industry by transforming an existing commercial building into a state-of-the-art built environment,” said 2019-20 ASHRAE President Darryl K. Boyce, P.Eng. “We want our new global headquarters to be an example of all that we stand for as a society and all that our industry has to offer.”
Skanska plans to retrofit a 66,700-square-foot office building using innovative technologies and sustainable materials to reduce energy use, water consumption and the carbon footprint for the renovated building. The project will demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of environmental stewardship in business operations, and will become a destination, resource and example for other groups interested in following suit.
“We are proud to be working on such an innovative project that will exceed current environmental standards,” said Kevin Bell, Vice President of Operations for Skanska USA Building’s Georgia and South Carolina operations. “Given ASHRAE’s mission, Houser Walker Architecture’s work and Skanska’s experience, we are a uniquely equipped team to deliver a highly sustainable building.”
The goals of the interior and exterior renovation project include:
- Upgrading an existing building to operate at a higher sustainability level — anticipating net-zero-energy ready operation — by reducing energy consumption to a level below 22 kbtu/square foot/year, with a limit of maximum daytime plug load to 0.5 W/square foot
- Exceeding ASHRAE Standards where possible and economically justifiable, including ASHRAE Standards 90.1-2016, 62.1-2016 and 55-2017
- Being a model for reducing the carbon and environmental impacts of business operations in a cost-effective and replicable way
The project is expected to be completed by late summer, with ASHRAE’s approximately 125 person staff scheduled to move into the new headquarters building by October 2020.
