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December 28, 2011
Mr. James Rose
Drexel University
Planning Design and Construction
3201 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Regarding:
Green Globes Stage II Assessment for New Construction
Drexel University Recreation Center
3201 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Mr. Rose:
Thank you for the opportunity to complete the Green Globes Stage II analysis of the Drexel University
Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA. We were impressed at how Drexel University implements a high
level of sustainability in construction.
Adjusting the online application for the observations we were able to make on site, and with subsequent
exchanges of information, your present score adjusts to 72% (664 points scored out of 917 applicable).
We are recommending to the Green Building Initiative that they award the Drexel University
Recreation Center, Philadelphia, PA, Three (3) Green Globes for New Construction. Three Green
Globes is an excellent accomplishment and you should be proud of the manner in which you
approached the design and construction of this facility for efficient use of energy and resources on
behalf of Drexel University s.
This is the second and final Stage of the Green Globes Assessment. Completion of this Stage included
onsite verification of the items we discussed in the Stage I Assessment dated June 2, 2010, and interim
discussions and documentation reviewed between the issue of that document and the date of the final
visit to the project.
Stage II is accomplished through an onsite review of the completed building; interviews with members
of the construction team that were responsible for the management of the project; and review of any
commissioning documentation or product submittals and documentation necessary to verify that the
targeted achievement that was defined in Stage I was achieved.
We met at the site on Tuesday, December 14, 2011. You, Charles Peck, and Gennaro Leva of Drexel
University were on site and hosted a Stage II Assessment through all areas of both the interior and
exterior of the facility. This onsite inspection included a review of all equipment on site used for building
operations.
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In addition to the design and construction team, Drexel University appears to be dedicated to a
sustainable approach to operating their facilities. After a minimum of 12 months, assessment of the
facility with respect to operation can be evaluated for compliance with the standards of the Continual
Improvement of Existing Buildings (CIEB). This is mentioned to make note of the concept that
sustainability is a dynamic process and continues for the lifetime of a building. If ongoing assessment of
the operations of the facility is desired, the 12 month period is required due to the need to evaluate
utility bills and usage data and evaluate the increased performance over time. The collection of
operational data is important to constantly monitor the success of building performance goals.
Those features of the building that were verified in this Stage II assessment while at the facility are
tabulated below:
Section
Enhanced Watershed features
Description
Awarded 5 points for the storm
water capture and filtration
system
Building Energy Performance
Deducted 40 points for lack of an
energy model
Energy Demand Minimization
Awarded 8 points for indication
of VT value for glazing
Energy Demand Minimization
Adjusted applicable point s by 12 because the project has no
chillers
Renewable Sources of Energy
Awarded 10
points for
renewable energy
Energy Efficient Transportation
Awarded 10 points for bike
storage
Water Performance
Awarded 30 points for the storm
water capture and filtration
system which provides water for
toilet flushing
Minimization
of
off-site Awarded 5 points the storm
treatment of water
water capture and filtration
system
Awarded 5 points for compliance
Minimization of ozone depletion
with ASHRAE 15-1994
Ventilation
Awarded
19
points
for
protection
of
ventilation
openings and filtration in RTU’s
Lighting
Awarded 3 points for well day-lit
exercise areas
Comment
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
See
http://www.drexel.edu
regarding wind power purchase
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/14/2011.
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Section
Acoustic Comfort
Description
Comment
Awarded 3 points when STC See Sasaki architectural drawing
Class of interior partitions was A0-03 dated August 4, 2008.
identified.
The following graph and table discusses the adjusted scoring:
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Recreation Center - Drexel University
Section
Management
Integrated Design Process
Environmental Purchasing
Cx Plan
Emergency Response Plan
Section Totals
Site
Development Area
Minimal Ecological Impact
Enhancement of Watershed Features
Enhancement of Site Ecology
Section Totals
Energy
Building Energy Performance
Energy Demand Minimization
Energy Efficient Systems
Renewable Sources of Energy
Energy Efficent Transportation
Section Totals
Water
Water Performance
Water Conserving Features
Minimize Off-season Water Treatment
Section Totals
Resources
Systems with Low Environmental Impact
Materials that Minimize Consumption of Resources
Reuse of Existing Buildings
Building Durability
Reuse Recycle
Adequate Waste Handling
Section Totals
Emissions
Minimization of air emissions
Minimization of ozone depletion
Avoiding Contamination of Sewers or Waterways
Pollution Minimization
Section Totals
Indoor Environment
Ventilation
Source Control of Indoor Pollutants
Lighting
Thermal Comfort
Acoustic Comfort
Section Totals
Totals
Applicable
Scored Percentage Score
20
10
15
5
50
20
10
6
5
41
82.0%
30
30
15
40
115
30
30
15
20
95
82.6%
100
109
54
20
76
359
0
89
46
20
70
225
62.7%
30
31
5
66
30
26
5
61
92.4%
35
16
0
14
5
10
80
0
4
0
14
5
10
33
41.3%
15
25
5
22
67
0
15
5
22
42
62.7%
50
35
45
20
30
180
40
35
45
20
27
167
92.8%
917
664
72.4%
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Project Management
A review of project documentation reflected that sustainability of systems was discussed throughout the
design and construction of the Drexel University Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. James Rose
of Drexel University acted as the Green Design Facilitator on this project.
Summary of Your Achievements:
An integrated design process has been implemented.
A team approach was used throughout the progressive stages of the design process. It involved
collaboration of the architect, engineers, consultants, and other stakeholders.
Aspects of green specifications have been incorporated (e.g. interior finishes with recycled content,
recycled steel see 016113 other products refer back to spec. ).
Environmental purchasing has been integrated, including the procurement of energy-saving, highefficiency equipment
Division 1 includes the project's environmental goals and procedures with regard to emergency
response.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 82% on the Green Globes rating scale for its integrated design
process, integration of environmental purchasing, and commissioning plan.
Site
Summary of Your Achievements:
The building is constructed on an existing serviced site.
The building is constructed on a site with a development density of at least 14,000 m²/ha (60,000
ft²/acre).
The building is constructed on land that is neither a wetland nor a wildlife corridor.
The design accommodates the building's functions while minimizing disturbance to the site's
topography, soils and vegetation.
Erosion control measures are in place in accordance with best management practices (BMPs) to protect
the site during construction as well as over the long term.
High albedo roofing materials (reflectance of at least 0.65 and emissivity of at least 0.9) will help to
avoid creating a heat island.
Obtrusive aspects of exterior lighting such as light trespass and sky glow will be avoided to preserve the
nocturnal sky.
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Storm water run-off will be controlled to prevent damage to the building and vegetation, and to
minimize run-off into waterways.
A storm water control plan will achieve a 25% decrease in storm water run-off.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 83% on the Green Globes rating scale for the site design and
enhancement measures to minimize the building's impact on the site.
Energy
Summary of Your Achievements:
The floor area has been optimized to efficiently fulfill the building's functional and spatial requirements
while minimizing the amount of space that needs to be heated and cooled.
The amount of day lighting is maximized through building orientation and window-to-wall ratios that
optimize natural light.
The indicated visible transmittance (VT) of the window glazing is 0.46.
The thermal resistance of the exterior enclosure meets Building Energy Code levels.
Window glazing with a low U value and window treatments that enhance interior thermal comfort are
installed. The indicated U value of the window glazing is 0.3.
There are measures to prevent groundwater and/or rain penetration into the building.
The integrity of the building envelope is optimized, using best air and vapor barrier practices.
The building's energy efficiency is increased through the use of energy-efficient equipment. The design
includes the following:
Energy-efficient lighting fixtures, lamps and ballasts
Lighting controls
Energy-efficient HVAC equipment
Energy-efficient hot water service systems
Building automation systems
Energy-efficient motors
The Drexel web site indicates that renewable energy sources that will supply 100% of the total power
load.
Public transport is easily accessible, within 0.3 miles and with service at least every 15 minutes during
rush hours.
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Changing facilities for bicyclists and staff are available at the Recreation Center.
The Recreation Center received a score of 63% based on the assessment of best-design practices and
energy performance on the Green Globes rating scale for energy efficiency.
Water
Summary of Your Achievements:
Total water consumption is diminished by the outstanding storm water capture and filtration system,
which supplies water for flushing to all toilets and urinals in the building.
The building includes high efficiency plumbing fixtures.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 92% on the Green Globes rating scale for water consumption
and measures to minimize its use.
Resources, Building Materials, and Solid Waste
Summary of Your Achievements:
Building materials with recycled content were used in the construction.
Building assemblies and materials have been specified for their durability and low maintenance.
The construction documents indicate that a construction, demolition and renovation waste
management plan is incorporated into the project. The management of all construction waste will be
carried out according to the plan.
There is 130 ft² of space designated for the storage of recyclable waste.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 41% on the Green Globes rating scale for managing resources
through waste reduction and site stewardship.
Emissions, Effluents, and Other Impacts
Summary of Your Achievements:
Ozone-depletion is minimized:
An R-22 refrigeration system has been specified that diminishes ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and
potent industrial greenhouse gases (PIGG).
The ozone-depleting potential of the refrigerant is equal to 0.05.
The building's air-conditioning system appears to comply with the requirements of the Safety Code for
Mechanical Refrigeration, ASHRAE 15 -1994.
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The rainwater is collection system percolates storm water into the Philadelphia combined sewer system
through an underground filtration basin. This system intercepts and treats storm water to prevent
pollutants including toxic materials, oils, and suspended materials from entering the City of Philadelphia
combined sewer.
Components, materials and the protection of structural openings are specified to avoid infestation by
pests.
There appear to be secure, appropriately-ventilated storage areas for occupants to store hazardous
cleaning agents and other hazardous materials.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 63% on the Green Globes rating scale for Emissions, Effluents
and Other Environmental Impacts
Indoor Environment
Summary of Your Achievements:
The Recreation Center has an effective ventilation system.
Ventilation air intake openings are suitably protected.
Systems and components are specified that avoid the release of pollution and fibers into the ventilation
air path.
The mechanical ventilation system has the capability of flushing-out the building with 100% outside air
at ambient temperatures above 0°C.
There are measures to minimize the accumulation of moisture within the building and prevent the
growth of fungus, mold, and bacteria on building surfaces and in concealed spaces.
There is easy access to the HVAC unit to facilitate its maintenance and drainage and avoid the
accumulation of debris.
The domestic hot water system is operated in such as way as to prevent the occurrence of Legionella.
Interior materials are specified that are low-VOC emitting, non-toxic, and chemically inert.
The construction documents indicate that the building provides direct ambient daylight to 80% of the
primary spaces.
The building provides ambient natural lighting, achieving a daylight factor of 0.5 for well day-lit exercise
areas.
The building design integrates local lighting controls related to room occupancy, circulation space,
daylighting and the number of workstations in office areas.
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There are measures to mitigate acoustic problems associated with mechanical equipment noise and
vibration, and plumbing systems.
The Recreation Center achieved a score of 93% on the Green Globes rating scale for measures to
provide a healthy, productive and comfortable indoor environment.
Summary
The Recreation Center is a great example of the success possible in the design and construction of a
commercial building in a sustainable manner. We have no doubt that the management of Drexel
University, Philadelphia, PA will continue the dedication to the concept of sustainability through
operations, as exhibited by the dedication to these goals in the design and construction of this facility, as
well as the ongoing sustainability initiatives occurring all over the nation.
Congratulations on the team effort and pursuit of goals that result in reduction of environmental impact
of the built environment on the Philadelphia region. It has been a pleasure to work with Drexel
University through the initial and final Green Globes rating process.
Sincerely,
Michael K. O’Brien, PE
Green Globes Assessor
cc: Dianne Elliott, The Green Building Initiative
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