Duthie Center Building Renovation
1
Building and Site Sustainable Features
As an existing building and site, the Duthie Center for Engineering, formally the Kersey Library,
automatically qualified for several LEED credits. Adding many new sustainable design strategies,
outlined below, result in qualifying for LEED Silver.
SUSTAINABLE SITES
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Pollution prevention during construction was implemented in the Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Plan per the 2003 EPA Construction General Permit, which included stone bag inlet
protection, tree protection fence, mulching and sodding exposed areas, designated material lay
down and trash /recycling dumpster locations.
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Connects to the greater university community with over 10 different services (restaurants,
Banks, Churches etc.) within a walkable ½ mile radius of the building.
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Prior to renovation, hazardous material was abated per ASTM standards by a third party
company.
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Several transportation alternatives were in place, the building is accessible to the Cardinal
Shuttle and the TARC bus lines, secure bicycle racks were installed with showers and lockers in
close proximity at Sackett Hall. In addition a total of five parking spaces were designated for
low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles – two in the blue and three in the green spaces.
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To maximize open space and minimize development, no new parking was added, new
landscaping and patio areas were installed and the Duthie Center is surrounded by Parkway
Fields and several open green spaces.
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All new hardscape features had a Solar Reflectance Index of 86 in the concrete which exceeded
requirements outlined in the LEED Reference Guide.
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LEED Credits: Prerequisite 1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, Credit 1 Site Selection,
Credit 2 Community Connectivity, Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment, Credit 4.1 Public
Transportation Access, Credit 4.2 Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms, Credit 4.3 Alternative
Fuel Vehicles and Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect: Non-roof
WATER EFFICIENCY
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The Duthie Center employs strategies that in aggregate use 54% less water than the typical
water usage for the following fixtures: water closets, urinals, lavatory faucets, and kitchen sinks.
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LEED Credits: Credit 3.1 & 3.2 Water Use Reduction
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE
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The Duthie Center’s HVAC systems exceed the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 standards as
required by the State of Kentucky. The chilled water system sized for a 16 degree temperature
rise to reduce chilled water pumping energy. A variable speed chilled water pumping system
reduces the chilled water pumping energy.
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Building Energy Simulation Model demonstrated a minimum energy cost savings of 31% and
energy reduction use of 29%. CO2 monitoring implements Demand Control Ventilation,
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February 11, 2010
Duthie Center Building Renovation
2
Building and Site Sustainable Features
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reducing the amount of energy to heat or cool the outside air. The air handling unit is turned off
during unoccupied times to minimize energy consumption.
The building envelope’s thermal resistance was greatly improved by replacing all windows with
high performance glazing.
A Commissioning Agent was involved during the design process and is currently engaged to
assure the systematic process of the building performs in accordance with the University’s
operational needs and the design intent.
LEED Credits: Prerequisite Credit 1 Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems,
Prerequisite Credit 2 Minimum Energy Performance, Prerequisite Credit 3 Fundamental
Refrigerant Management, Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance and Credit 3 Enhanced
Commissioning.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
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The Duthie Center provides designated areas in the public spaces for the collection of
recyclables as well as bins in offices and classrooms supplied by University Physical Plant.
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The renovation targeted the reuse of 95% (based on surface area) of existing building structure
including structural floor, roof decking and exterior walls. During demolition 77% of all
materials not reused were recycled and therefore diverted from the landfill.
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Building materials selected had a total of 27% recycled content and 31% were extracted,
harvested and manufactured regionally (within 500 miles of the Duthie Center) based on
construction costs, CSI divisions 2 through 10. In addition 50% of wood-based materials and
products were certified in accordance with the Forestry Stewardship Council’s Principles and
Criteria, for wood building components.
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LEED Credits: Prerequisite Credit 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables, Credit 1 Building Reuse,
Credit 2 Construction Waste Management, Credit 4 Recycled Content, Credit 5 Regional
Materials and Credit 7 Certified Wood.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IAQ)
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The Duthie Center met the minimum ventilation for acceptable Indoor Air Quality requirements
of ASHRAE 62.1-2004, Sections 4 through 7. Smoking in the building and within 25 feet off the
building was prohibited during construction.
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An indoor IAQ plan was developed and implemented for the construction and pre-occupancy
phases of the building as outlined in the LEED Reference Guide.
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Recessed grate entrance systems were provided at the Main and Student Commons entryways
to minimize dirt and dust entering the building, deck to deck partitions and dedicated exhaust
systems were provided at Janitor closets and MERV 13 filters were installed in the air handling
units to improve the IAQ.
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Low-emitting materials were used in the building interior to comply with the requirements
outlined in the LEED Reference Guide.
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The HVAC design provides individual comfort controls for building occupants to enable
adjustments to suit individual task needs and preferences. The Center utilizes Variable Volume
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February 11, 2010
Duthie Center Building Renovation
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Building and Site Sustainable Features
Air Systems with thermostat controls to minimize energy use. Conditions for thermal comfort is
based on ASHRAE 55 - 2004
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The Duthie Center’s lighting system design exceeds the ASHRAE 90.1 standards as required by
the State of Kentucky. The ASHRAE 90.1 requires 32 Watt T8 lamps or 1.2 Watts/SF. The
Center’s utilizes energy efficient light fixtures using electronic ballasts; 28 Watt T5 Lamp or 1.1
Watts/SF in classrooms & Labs; exceeding ASHRAE by 8.3%. 0.75 Watts/SF in offices; exceeding
ASHRAE by 37.5%. Use of incandescent lamps was eliminated.
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Lighting controls were designed for building occupants to enable adjustments to suit individual
task needs and preferences. The Center uses dual level switching in offices. Dual level
switching, zoned lighting and automatic lighting shut-off in the classrooms. Light fixtures are
routed via relays which are controlled by occupancy schedules in the building management
system.
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LEED Credits: Prerequisite Credit 1 Minimum IAQ Performance, Prerequisite Credit 2
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring, Credit 3.1
Construction IAQ Management Plan: During Construction, Credits 4.1-4.4 Low-Emitting
Materials: Adhesives & Sealants, Paints & Coatings, Carpet Systems, Composite Wood &
Agrifiber, Credit 6.1 & 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Lighting and Thermal Comfort and Credit
7.1 & 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Design and Verification
INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS
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University Custodial Services uses low impact housekeeping cleaning supplies, equipment and
low impact disposable products in the Restrooms that meets or exceeds the Green Seal
Environmental Standards to earn an innovation credit
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The water savings for efficient fixtures exceeded 40% in the Water Efficiency category and
therefore qualified for an innovation credit.
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A LEED™ Accredited Professional was engaged in the design and construction process of the
Duthie Center.
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LEED Credits: Credit 1.1 Green Housekeeping Program, Credit 1.2 Exemplary Use Reduction and
Credit 2 LEED™ Accredited Professional
LAS 28017-00
February 11, 2010