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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 Integrated Sciences Building
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
Integrated Sciences Building 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 84% (762 points scored out of 906 applicable).
We are recommending to the Green Building Initiative that they award the Drexel University
Integrated Sciences Building, 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 July 12, 2011, 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 13, 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
Minimal Ecological Impact
Building Energy Performance
Energy Demand Minimization
Energy Demand Minimization
Renewable Sources of Energy
Energy Efficient Transportation
Water Performance
Water Conserving Features
Materials that Minimize
Consumption of Resources
Adequate Waste Handling
Ventilation
Description
Awarded 7 points for the
unobtrusive nature of exterior
lighting
Awarded 50 points to the energy
model for exceeding the ASHRAE
90.1 Appendix G baseline by 29%
Adjusted applicable point s by -2
because the project was not
phased.
Awarded 13 points for natural
ventilation in office areas and
mock up testing of building
envelope
Awarded 20
points for
renewable energy
Awarded 12 points for preferred
parking and changing facilities
for bicycle commuters
Awarded 12
points for
installation of highest efficiency
plumbing fixtures
Awarded 10
points for the
application of VFD’s on cooling
tower fans to conserve water
Awarded 4 points for use of FSC
certified wood
Awarded 5 points for identifying
area for storage of recyclable
waste
Awarded
4
points
for
identification of ventilation rate
per occupant
Comment
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
See James Rose
12/15/2012.
e-mail
of
See
http://www.drexel.edu
regarding wind power purchase
See James Rose e-mail of
12/15/2012.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
See James Rose e-mail of
12/16/2012.
Confirmed during site visit of
12/13/2011.
See James Rose
12/15/2012.
e-mail
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of
Section
Ventilation
Source Control of Indoor
Pollutants
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Acoustic Comfort
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Description
Comment
Adjusted applicable point s by -5 Confirmed during site visit
because the project does not use 12/13/2011.
CO2 monitoring
Awarded 5 points for operable Confirmed during site visit
windows in office areas
12/13/2011.
Awarded 5 points because on Confirmed during site visit
day of site visit there was 12/13/2011.
abundant ambient daylight in all
spaces.
Awarded 5 points because on Confirmed during site visit
day of site visit all work spaces 12/13/2011.
were lit by natural light.
Awarded 5 points because on Confirmed during site visit
day of site visit sunshades were 12/13/2011.
installed in all spaces.
Awarded 5 points because on Confirmed during site visit
day of site visit excessive glare 12/13/2011.
was avoided due to external
shading.
Awarded 10 points because on Confirmed during site visit
day of site visit we identified 12/13/2011.
installation of occupancy sensors
and central lighting controls.
Awarded 3 points when STC See James Rose e-mail
Class of interior partitions was 12/15/2012.
identified.
The following graph and table discusses the adjusted scoring:
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of
of
of
of
of
of
of
of
Sustainability Consulting
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Integrated Science Building - 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
15
5
50
100.0%
30
30
15
40
115
30
23
15
40
108
93.9%
100
112
46
20
80
358
50
94
46
20
76
286
79.9%
30
35
10
75
30
35
0
65
86.7%
35
16
0
14
5
10
80
0
12
0
4
5
10
31
38.8%
0
25
5
23
53
0
25
5
23
53
100.0%
45
35
45
20
30
175
45
35
45
20
24
169
96.6%
906
762
84.1%
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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 Integrated Sciences Building 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
A best-practice, project commissioning plan is being implemented that includes the following:
A Commissioning Authority has been engaged.
“Design Intent” and “Basis of Design” documentation has been reviewed.
Commissioning requirements are included in the Construction Documentation.
A Commissioning Plan has been developed.
Division 1 includes the project's environmental goals and procedures with regard to emergency
response. The response plan will be in place prior to project start-up to mitigate the likelihood of
environmental emergencies occurring on-site during site preparation or construction.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 100% 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.
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Erosion control measures are in place in accordance with best management practices (BMPs) to protect
the site 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.
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 pre-development ratio of pervious to impervious area was 65. The post-development ratio of
pervious to impervious area will be 31.
The development is occurring on a brown field site that has been remediated.
The site-planning documents specify a naturalized landscape using native trees, shrubs and ground
cover, with minimal lawn.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 94% 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:
Integrated Sciences Building achieved a sub-score of 50% for its energy consumption, based on the
projection that the building will be 29% more energy efficient than the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G
reference building.
The building has external shading on south and western exposures to minimize solar heat gain.
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 (kitchen and utility
equipment is separated from other areas).
The office wing has operable windows for natural ventilation.
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 0.64.
The thermal resistance of the exterior enclosure meets Building Energy Code levels.
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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
Electrical systems, make up water, and campus steam are being sub-metered.
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.
Carpooling and/or public transport will be accommodated on-site. There will be designated preferred
parking for car/van pooling, and shelter from weather for persons waiting for a lift.
Changing facilities for bicyclists and staff are available at the Recreation Center.
The Integrated Sciences Building received a score of 76% 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 metered, and sub-meters are provided for the cooling towers.
The building includes high efficiency plumbing fixtures.
Cooling towers feature variable frequency drives that minimize the consumption of make-up water.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 87% on the Green Globes rating scale for water
consumption and measures to minimize its use.
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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.
Tropical hardwoods were not used and solid lumber and timber panel products originated from certified
and sustainable sources.
The construction documents indicate that a construction, demolition and renovation waste
management plan is incorporated into the project. The management of all construction waste was
carried out according to the plan.
There is 300 ft² of space designated for the storage of recyclable waste.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 39% 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 R410A refrigeration system has been specified that avoids ozonedepleting substances (ODS) and potent industrial greenhouse gases (PIGG).
The ozone-depleting potential of the refrigerant is equal to 0.
The building's air-conditioning system appears to comply with the requirements of the Safety Code for
Mechanical Refrigeration, ASHRAE 15 -1994.
There are measures to intercept and/or treat contaminated water to prevent pollutants including toxic
materials, oils, and suspended materials from entering sewers or waterways (i.e. Rainwater is collected
and percolated into the Philadelphia combined sewer system through an underground filtration basin. ).
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 and
flammable materials.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 96% on the Green Globes rating scale for Emissions,
Effluents and Other Environmental Impacts
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Indoor Environment
The Integrated Sciences Building 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 0.2 for work places and or
living/dining areas requiring moderate day lighting, and 0.5 for well day-lit work areas.
Solar shading devices are specified to control brightness and glare from direct day lighting.
The building integrates local lighting controls related to room occupancy, circulation space, daylighting
and the number of workstations in office areas.
There are measures to mitigate acoustic problems associated with mechanical equipment noise and
vibration, and plumbing systems.
The Integrated Sciences Building achieved a score of 94% on the Green Globes rating scale for measures
to provide a healthy, productive and comfortable indoor environment.
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Summary
The Integrated Sciences Building 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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