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IDC Architects university science building project earns LEED® Gold
The Portland State University Science Research & Teaching Center designed by IDC Architects received LEED® Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. This is a noteworthy accomplishment for a major renovation of a complex building.
"Thank you for all of your hard work," said the client's project manager in a note to the project team. "It has really paid off. This LEED® Gold plaque will be a part of the SRTC forever and you can all know you were an integral part of creating a more sustainable and safer work environment for the University and all of its students, faculty and researchers. You should all be proud of this great accomplishment. Thank you all!"
The project's sustainable highlights include:
- 20% energy efficiency improvements driven primarily by laboratory exhaust system enhancements using low flow exhaust hood design, occupancy sensors and heat recovery.
- 98% of the building's structural walls, floors and ceilings and 73% of its interior walls, floors, doors and casework were reused.
- 28% of materials used consisted of recycled content.
- 21% of materials were locally sourced and manufactured.
- Extensive use of low-emitting building products contributes to healthier indoor air quality.
- 79% of construction waste was recycled, preventing 701 tons of materials from ending up in landfill.
Portland State invested $47.1 million to upgrade the building's infrastructure to better support science education and extend the building's useful life for 40 to 50 years. PSU officials say it would have cost about $130 million to replace the building outright. Constructed in 1971, the 225,000-square-foot building's new high-efficiency exhaust system and four rooftop air handlers should yield nearly $400,000 a year in energy savings alone.
In an article on the project in the Portland Business Journal, IDC Architects Scott Barton-Smith and Ernie Staley explained that the remodel was designed to enhance the building's infrastructure and capacity to meet soaring demand for science education. With new lab utility and exhaust systems, labs could be upgraded for one-quarter the amount it would have cost otherwise.
The 1971 design was structured for scientists working alone in small labs. The new design encourages collaboration among scientists, faculty and students. The facility's flexible design strategy allows scientists to expand and contract separate lab spaces as needed.
Some of the key facilities in the building include:
- Intel Environmental Science Teaching Laboratory — fosters graduate students working with agencies, consulting, engineering firms and manufacturers.
- Center for Life In Extreme Environments — explores life in undersea volcanoes, hot springs, urban environments and other extreme settings.
- McDougall Center — equipped to link natural science research with computational mathematics.
- PGE Foundation Renewable Energy Lab — explores research on renewable energy, including development of new polymer-based technology for the solar industry.
- Rippey Organic Chemistry Teaching Lab — serves chemistry and health students preparing for admission to Oregon Health & Science University.
- Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Program — serves as the new home to the Berry Botanical Garden collection, a protected repository of seeds from rare and endangered native plants.
Read the Portland Business Journal article on the project.