Case Study of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology
Mark Maddalina
Brian Danker
Josh Reinhard
Abstract:
Rochester Institute of Technology provides world-class education and conducts research in
Sustainability. The Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) is a multidisciplinary academic research
program with its major focus on research of sustainable production, energy, and mobility, as well as
ecologically neutral information technology systems. The new GIS facility is currently under construction
on campus and will house academic labs, classrooms, and office space to support the programs. RIT has
signified its commitment to sustainability through this signature research center.
RIT established a LEED-Platinum goal for the new building. A Fast-Track Design-Build delivery method
was required to meet an aggressive project schedule. In fast-track, speed takes precedence, but in this
case a high performance building was also critical. This presentation will discuss both the challenges and
the team strategies that contributed to the successful design and delivery.
Early in design, Life Cycle Analysis and iterative Building Energy and Cost Models helped to drive the
building’s form. The building’s architecture includes complex high-performance façades that incorporate
advanced glazing technologies, customized sun shading and superior insulation. Strategies to optimize
the building’s energy performance included achieving the right balance between daylight and energy.
The team’s coordination of the façade’s design for daylight, energy, building systems and budget will be
presented.
The building’s envelope and efficient and appropriate systems design indicate significant energymodeled savings. A building microgrid will manage a network of advanced energy and mechanical
systems, including multiple fuel cells, geothermal, photovoltaics, and urban-scale wind energy, in
addition to combined heat and power campus systems. An overview of program requirements, systems
technologies, and the design to maintain energy performance goals will be presented.
The Design-Build Team was comprised of a regional core team and specialty consultants in design,
energy modeling, and daylighting. The team worked closely with RIT researchers, facilities,
administration and educators to assure that RIT’s commitment to sustainability was manifested in the
design. Design-Build Team Representatives from LeChase Construction, SWBR Architects, and M/E
Engineering will summarize the design process and modeled results. The building is to be completed in
the fall of 2012.
Bio:
Mark Maddalina
Mark Maddalina specializes in sustainable design projects for Colleges and Universities, and serves as
Project Architect for the Golisano Institute for Sustainability building. He has certified several LEED
Buildings and, as Manager of Sustainable Design for SWBR Architects, he educates project teams,
coordinates educational outreach efforts, and has written the firm’s Sustainable Design Process
Guidelines.
Brian Danker
Brian Danker has over 25 years of experience in consulting engineering and also manages the electrical
group in the Rochester Office. He specializes in designing laboratory systems, clean rooms and multibuilding complexes. Brian has successfully led the efforts for six buildings which received LEED
certification and has experience with alternative energy sources. He is currently working on projects at
the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Monroe Community College, SUNY
Brockport, and Monroe Community Hospital.
Josh Reinhard
Josh Reinhard is the Senior Project Manager for LeChase Construction on the Golisano Institute for
Sustainability at RIT. He is responsible for the budget, schedule, procurement and client and
subcontractor management. Past projects Josh has worked on were the Pixar Animation studios Campus
in Emeryville, CA, CityCenter Las Vegas, and Fontainebleau Miami along with multiple hospitality and
retail projects throughout the country.