April 28, 2008—R&D Magazine has recognized the Science & Technology Facility at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as one of the best laboratory facilities built in the US in 2007.
The energy-efficient, eco-friendly facility in Golden, CO, was one of only two laboratories recognized as trendsetters in laboratory design for the 42nd annual edition of the awards. The NREL facility received the award for its sustainable design, which reduces energy consumption by as much as 41 percent compared to similar facilities, according to the magazine.
The 71,000-square-foot, $22.7-million laboratory, where scientists conduct solar research, was the first federal laboratory building to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building rating from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
NREL’s goal of making the building aggressively energy efficient was significant since laboratories use about 4 to 6 times more energy than a typical office building, notes the agency. Architectural features such as daylighting, evaporative cooling and efficient motors, fans, windows, and lighting reduce the building’s energy requirements.
R&D Magazine editors recognized the building’s environmental design and low cost as key factors in its selection for this special mention award. Its cost, at $318 per square foot, was considerably less than the 2006 average of $450-475 per square foot cost of similar laboratory facilities, says NREL.
The SmithGroup of Phoenix, AZ, was the design architect, and MA Mortenson Company of Denver, CO, was the general contractor. For more information, see the magazine’s Web site.
