Sustainability Consulting
LEED Services
Building Commissioning
Energy Consulting
New Construction
May 27, 2010
Ms. Barbara A. W. Clarke, AIA, LEED AP
Drexel University Planning, Design, and Construction
3201 Arch Street, Suite 320
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Subject:
Green Globes Stage II Assessment
Northside Dining Terrace
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Dear Ms. Clarke:
Thank you for the opportunity to complete the Green Globes Stage II analysis of the Northside Dining
Terrace project on the Drexel University campus in Philadelphia, PA. We were impressed at how Drexel
University implements a high level of sustainability construction.
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 April 22, 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.
We met at the site on May 25, 2010. Simone Pucca-Fera was on site and hosted a tour 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.
Those features of the building that were verified in this Stage II assessment while at the facility are
tabulated below:
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Action Item #
1
Section
Project Management
Question
Review project
documentation for
discussion of
sustainability during
design.
2
Site
Review landscaping
plans.
3
Site
7
Energy
Submit manufacturer’s
documentation or an
approved submittal for
the roofing material that
was actually installed,
showing a reflectance of
at least 0.65 and
emissivity of at least 0.9,
for review.
Document the (high
visible transmittance
(VT)) of the window
glazing.
9
Energy
10
Energy
Verify the R- value of the
wall insulation.
Verify the R- value of the
roof insulation.
Comment
We reviewed project
documentation for
discussion of
sustainability during
design. The decision to
pursue sustainable
features occurred during
the construction phase of
the project. Thus most
sustainable features were
a result of the good
practices of the
architects and engineers.
Simone Pucca-Fera
submitted a landscape
plan for review on
05/25/10. New trees,
once mature, should
shade more than 30% of
impermeable surfaces.
Artificial shading such as
covered outdoor tables
also shades the site's
impervious surfaces.
Still outstanding although
we did climb to the roof
and visually observed
that a white, EPDM
membrane roof system is
installed.
The VT-value of the
installed window glazing
is specified but we have
not seen the submittal
data.
Verify the R- value of the
wall insulation.
Verify the R- value of the
roof insulation.
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Action Item #
17
Section
Energy
Question
Check building for safe,
covered bicycle storage
areas with fixed
mountings to secure
bicycles against theft.
18
Energy
Check building for
changing facilities for
building tenants and
staff.
19
Water
Check building for waterefficient low-flush toilets
(less than 1.6 gallons per
flush)
20
Water
Check building for watersaving fixtures on faucets
(2.0 gallons/min)
21
Water
Check building for watersaving devices or
proximity detectors on
urinals.
27
Indoor Environment
28
Indoor Environment
Verify the orientation of
RTU-1 with regard to the
exhaust fan. Provide
results at the Stage II
Assessment.
Verify the filtration
installed in RTU-1.
Document results at the
Stage II Assessment.
31
Indoor Environment
Verify hot water system
operating temperature.
Document results at the
Stage II Assessment.
Comment
Safe, covered bicycle
storage areas with fixed
mountings to secure
bicycles against theft
exist in Kelly Hall, to
which Northside Dining
terrace is an addition.
During the tour, we
verified the existence of
changing facilities for
building tenants and
staff.
During the tour, we
verified the existence of
water-efficient low-flush
toilets (1.6 gallons per
flush)
During the tour, we
verified the existence of
water-saving fixtures on
faucets (2.0 gallons/min)
During the tour, we
verified the existence of
water-saving devices (1.0
gallons per flush) and
proximity detectors on
urinals.
We measured the
distance between the
kitchen hood exhaust fan
and the RTU-1 outdoor
air intake at about 10’-0”.
We verified the filtration
installed in RTU-1. We
recommend the use of
MERV 13 filtration, and
the University agreed to
use MERV 13 filters going
forward.
We verified the domestic
hot water system
operating temperature at
130⁰F.
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Project Management
A limited review of project documentation reflected that sustainability of systems was discussed only late in
the design and early in the construction of the facility. The onsite tour with Simone Pucca-Fera substantiated
the level of attention to environmental sensitivity at the interior and exterior environment of the facility.
Evaluation of alternative approaches to the sequence of construction and impacts to water and land on the
site were analyzed during the management of the project. Drexel University and Pucca-Fera Project
Management Services appeared to have acted in close collaboration as the Green Facilitators on this project.
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 36% on the Green Globes rating scale for its integrated
design process.
Site Considerations
Summary of Your Achievements:
The building is constructed on an existing serviced site.
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.
At least 30% of impervious surfaces will be shaded to avoid creating a heat island.
A combination of green roof and high albedo 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
Landscaping beyond the amount required on the construction documents was installed at the rear yard and
adjacent to the railroad right of way.
Exterior lighting is minimal for safety and does not allow sky glow or light pollution.
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 70% on the Green Globes rating scale for the site design
and enhancement measures to minimize the building's impact on the site.
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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 (kitchen and utility
equipment is separated from other areas).
The building faces south to optimize the heat from fenestration in winter months and utilizes a 4’-9”
overhang to minimize heat gain in summer months. These design elements optimize the effect of
microclimatic conditions for heating or cooling the building.
The opportunities offered by the site topography, and design measures including location and
orientation are optimized to provide shelter against wind and snow deposition.
The amount of daylighting is maximized through building orientation and window-to-wall ratios that
optimize natural light.
The indicated visible transmittance (VT) of the window glazing is 0.7.
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
specified. The indicated U value of the window glazing is 0.29.
There are measures to prevent groundwater and/or rain penetration into the building.
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
Energy-efficient HVAC equipment
Energy-efficient hot water service systems
Building automation systems
Energy-efficient motors
Public transport access
Cycling facilities:
o
o
Safe, covered storage areas with fixed mountings for securing bicycles against theft
Changing facilities for building tenants and staff.
Energy Saving Suggestions
Consider the addition of Melink Hood Controls to the Chick-Fil-A kitchen exhaust system, which offers
attractive short term economics, and could save significant energy over the long term.
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Consider the addition of a lighting control panel which could automatically shut off lighting during unoccupied
hours.
Northside Dining Terrace received a score of 48% 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:
There is minimal consumption of potable water.
The design includes the following of water-efficient equipment:
·
·
·
water-saving devices or proximity detectors on urinals
low flush toilets (less than 1.6 gallons/flush)
water-saving fixtures on faucets (less than 2.0 gallons/minute)
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 22% 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:
Reuse of existing countertops and point of sale millwork, walk in cooler, walk in box, merchandise
display units are examples of how used building materials and components are integrated in the
construction.
Building assemblies and materials such as exposed concrete, epoxy flooring, stainless steel toilet
partitions, and stainless steel kitchen equipment have been installed for their durability and low
maintenance.
The design promotes building adaptability by enabling the Dining area to be closed off from the Market
area as needed based on hours of operation and demand. The Dining area can also be used for functions
and events while closing off the market area. The divider allows operating hours to be flexible, saving on
utilities.
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 29% on the Green Globes rating scale for managing
resources through waste reduction and site stewardship.
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Emissions, Effluents, and Other Impacts
Summary of Your Achievements:
A “Low-NOx” high-efficiency domestic water heater was specified and installed.
Ozone-depletion is minimized:
· A refrigeration system has been specified that avoids ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and
potent industrial greenhouse gases (PIGG) (i.e. R 410 A).
· The ozone-depleting potential of the refrigerant is equal to 0.
· The building's air-conditioning system will comply with the requirements of the Safety Code for
Mechanical Refrigeration, ASHRAE 15 -1994.
Grease traps on kitchen sanitary system intercept and/or treat contaminated water to prevent
pollutants including toxic materials, oils, and suspended materials from entering sewers or waterways.
Components, materials and the protection of structural openings are specified to avoid infestation by
pests.
There are secure, appropriately-ventilated storage areas for occupants to store hazardous and
flammable materials.
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 95% on the Green Globes rating scale for emissions,
effluents and other environmental impacts
Indoor Environment
Northside Dining Facility has a very effective ventilation system.
Air intakes are located more than 60 ft from major sources of pollution and at least the minimum
recommended distances from lesser sources of pollution.
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.
Sufficient ventilation is provided to obtain an excellent IAQ, in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1-2004
using the Ventilation Rate Design Procedure. The reported design ventilation rate is 23 cfm/person.
The mechanical ventilation system will have the capability of flushing-out the building with 100%
outside air at ambient temperatures above 0°C.
The filters have a minimum efficiency of 65% arrestance, or 40% atmospheric dust-spot efficiency for air
distributed to occupied spaces.
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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 will be easy access to the HVAC unit to facilitate its maintenance and drainage and avoid the
accumulation of debris.
Kitchen hoods that capture vapors over cooking areas and emergency automatic shutoff of natural gas
flow are measures to avoid pollution at the source.
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.
There appear to be views to the building exterior from all primary interior spaces.
Solar shading devices are specified to enable occupants to control brightness and glare from direct day
lighting.
Lighting levels appear to meet those recommended in IESNA Lighting Handbook, 2000 for the types of
tasks to be anticipated in the various building spaces.
The building design appears to conform to the ASHRAE 55-2004 for thermal comfort.
The building is sited, and spaces within the building are zoned so as to provide optimum protection from
undesirable outside noise, and fall within acceptable noise criteria (NC) ranges.
There are measures to mitigate acoustic problems associated with mechanical equipment noise and
vibration, and plumbing systems.
Northside Dining Terrace achieved a score of 73% on the Green Globes rating scale for measures to
provide a healthy, productive and comfortable environment.
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Summary
The Northside Dining Terrace is a great example of the success possible in the design and construction of
an institutional building in a sustainable manner.
This Northside Dining Facility earned a total of 489 out of 892 applicable points for a 55% final rating
which qualifies the project for a Two Green Globes rating.
Percentage Scores
Management
36%
Site
70%
Energy
Water
Resources
48%
22%
29%
Emissions
Indoor Environment
95%
73%
We are recommending to the Green Building Initiative that they award the Northside Dining Terrace two
(2) Green Globes for New Construction. Two 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.
In addition to the design and construction team, Drexel University is 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.
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We have no doubt that Drexel University’s management of Northside Dining Terrace 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 Drexel campus.
Congratulations on the team effort and pursuit of goals that result in reduction of environmental impact
to the campus and 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, LEED AP
cc:
Gary Keclik, Green Building Initiative
Kristi Martin, Green Building Initiative
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