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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency New England
R ATO
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U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Energy Efficiency
The building and its components have been designed to minimize energy
consumption. We worked with our local utility and participated in its energy
conservation program, Massachusetts Electric Design 2000plus. Based on these
efforts, the laboratory is at least 35 percent more energy efficient than a typical labora-
tory. The energy efficient systems in the building include: six modular gas-fired boilers,
two water-cooled chillers, daylight dimmers, occupancy sensors, tubular skylights,
energy-efficient lights, high-efficiency motors and variable flow pumping systems,
variable air volume heating and cooling systems with night and low occupancy system
setbacks, insulated windows, highly rated insulation, and automated building manage-
ment and monitoring systems.
Water Efficiency
Water in the building is reduced with the use of waterless urinals, which
conserve an average of 40,000 gal. per year/per urinal. Restrooms are equipped
with electronic sensors on the plumbing fixtures. Outside, native trees and shrubs
requiring little water have been planted, and water diverted from roof drains replenishes
on-site wetlands. The lab uses a well on the property to supply a portion of its
non-potable water for minor irrigation.
Solar Power
Photovoltaic (solar energy producing cells) awnings shade the office
windows on the outside and reduce glare and heat gain, thus reducing the
amount of cooling needed. In addition, the awnings supply approximately 2,000
watt-hours daily to the building's electrical system. Special skylights in the corri-
dors with reflective tubing systems bring daylight deep into the building, reducing the
need for artificial light.
Green Power
EPA New England powers its laboratory with 100 percent green electric
power. EPA purchases wind power to match the electrical consumption of its
North Chelmsford lab, estimated at close to 2 million kilowatt hours per year.
While this will not generate cost savings, it will help us achieve environmental benefits
by reducing greenhouse gases that would have been emitted from conventional power
sources.
Natural Landscaping
The regional laboratory landscaping design and maintenance program follows
L water conservation and environmental protection principles. The laboratory's
landscaping is a natural system with mostly native grasses, wild flowers, and shrubs.
The landscaping is adapted to the local climate, with little additional water, minimal
cutting, and no synthetic fertilizer or pesticides.
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Waste Handling
Sanitary wastewater from the lab is being sent to the Lowell Regional Waste-
water Utility. All wastewater generated in laboratory portions of the building
are piped to a state-of-the-art acid neutralization system. This system uses a two-stage
neutralization process and a 500-gallon holding tank, which is activated if the waste-
water is not completely neutralized during the two-stage process. The building has an
extensive recycling program. Food waste and some landscaping debris are composted on
site. Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, cans and batteries also are recycled.
Indoor Air Quality
A healthy indoor environment is a critical safety concern in a laboratory set-
ting. The largest sources of indoor air contaminants are interior building materi-
als, office furniture and equipment. Before any material was used in this build-
ing, it was examined for possible effects on indoor air quality in addition to its general
environmental impact. Materials with contaminants above EPA-designated levels were
not used. Measures taken to ensure indoor air quality at the lab included low volatile or-
ganic compound (VOC) products; strict control of formaldehyde; construction materials;
off-gassing materials before installation; cleaning of all ductwork; replacing of filters
before occupancy; and the use of environmentally preferable cleaning materials. Prior
to occupancy, an independent indoor air quality consultant tested the building to ensure
that it was within EPA-specified requirements. An Indoor Air Quality Control Plan is
being implemented.
©Environmentally Preferable Materials
The building design incorporated the resources naturally available on the site
to avoid generating unnecessary debris and to minimize site demolition. All soil
and gravel on the site was stockpiled and graded for later use as fill or loam. Blasted
rock outcroppings were crushed with portable on-site processing equipment and totaled
approximately 17,500 tons. The crushed stone was used as base material for concrete
paving; sub-base for bituminous concrete pavement; backfill for footings, structures and
pipe bedding; and for under-drain filter aggregate. Reuse of materials avoided disposal
costs and was sufficient to complete the landscaping and fill work with only a minimal
amount of fine grading material (sand) brought in for finish grading. Materials used in
construction contained the highest recycled content available. Using them eliminated
pollution from extraction of new materials, transportation and manufacturing. Ad-
ditionally, it reduced the need to dispose of the recovered materials and encouraged
recycling in the industry. The following recycled materials were used in construction:
fly-ash containing concrete (use of this type of concrete diverted 126 tons of fly-ash
from becoming part of the waste stream), steel, gypsum wallboard, ceiling tiles, insula-
tion and hydromulch.
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Green Building Features of the U.S. EPA New England Regional Laboratory
Energy efficient
insulated windows
S-fSS
Photovoltaic
window shades
produce energy
Water runoff from the
roof replenishes
on-site wetlands
Northside offices reduce
required cooling
Southside loading
dock maximizes
snow and ice melt
Original boulders provide
a natural wall
Natural landscaping
uses native plants
and minimal lawn
Higher set
windows allow
more natural light
deeper into the
building
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Green Building Operations of the
U.S. EPA New England Regional Laboratory
Reducing Our Environmental Footprint
The EPA New England Regional Laboratory has implemented an Environmental
Management System (EMS) for its facility, operations and employees. It focuses
on compliance, pollution prevention and public outreach. The system provides a set
of management practices and processes that enables the laboratory to manage and
reduce its environmental impacts and to operate with greater efficiency and control.
The benefits of an EMS include:
• Improved environmental performance in such areas as energy and
water conservation
• Increased ability to identify pollution prevention opportunities
• Enhanced operational control and efficiency
• Reduced costs
• Improved compliance with environmental protection laws
Adopting and implementing an Environmental Management System reduces the
regional laboratory's environmental footprint. Environmental improvements at
the laboratory include:
• Thirty-three tons of mixed paper has been recycled from 2003 to 2007
• Energy consumption dropped by nearly 31% between 2004 and 2007
by implementing procedures to reduce electricity use and increase
efficiencies in HVAC system
• Installation of 70 LCD computer monitors saves approximately
21,400 kWh each year
• Waterless urinals save approximately 25,000 gallons of water each year
• Regional vehicle fleet average fuel mileage has continued to increase
each year and two of the 13 laboratory vehicles are hybrid vehicles
• Use of clean burning 4-stroke outboard boat engines in the region's fleet
reduces emissions
• Water consumption declined by 49% between 2004 and 2007
• All paper for copiers and printers is 100% post consumer recycled
content paper and paper use has been reduced by double-sided printing
and electronic file transmissions
The regional laboratory's Environmental Management System ensures that environ-
mental accountability is incorporated in daily activities and long-term strategies.
For more information about Environmental Management Systems, please visit the
EPA on the web at: www.epa.gov/ems/index.html and www.epa.gov/ne/ems/
EPA New England Regional Laboratory EMS Policy:
It is the New England Regional Laboratory (NERD policy to integrate envi-
ronmental stewardship into all of our operations within our defined fenceline.
We will manage our organization and our programs in a manner that protects
the environment, the safety of our employees, and public health.
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Green Building Operations of the
U.S. EPA New England Regional Laboratory
Improving Energy Use
The EPA New England Regional Laboratory is a LEED Gold Rated building. It has
been recognized for its energy efficient design, active and passive solar power, use of
recycled materials in construction, natural landscaping and consistently keeping its
energy consumption and costs at a minimum. Since 2004, there has been a reduction
of 7,778 million British thermal units (mmBtu) in annual usage, a decrease in energy
use of over 30%. The resulting cost saving in 2007 alone was $206,895. The regional
laboratory also has reduced
water consumption since 2004
by 1,132,550 gallons, a reduc-
tion of just over 49%.
Energy Use at
EPA New England Laboratory (2004-2007)
25,154
25,000
i 20,000
| 15,000
4-»
I 10,000
5,000
18,107
17,745
2004
2005
2006
2007
The laboratory has imple- • - ^22,239
mented a variety of building
modifications and operational
changes to achieve energy re-
ductions, including installation
of 23 fan-powered air termi-
nals which have enhanced the
heat distribution in perimeter
offices, while increasing com-
fort and improving temperature
control and energy efficiency.
The facilities manager worked closely with the property manager to modify the opera-
tion of the building in other energy-saving ways, including:
• Expanding night/weekend hours when lab and office temperatures
and air volumes are moderated in order to save heating and cooling;
• Identifying analytical equipment and processes which can be shut
down when not in use and/or batch processed when constant operation
is not necessary;
• Manually adjusting chiller/heat supply temperature and humidity
controls relative to the demand due to seasonal ambient temperature
and humidity loads;
• Reducing illumination levels in common areas by utilizing only
emergency and natural lighting in building hallways; and
• Conducting daily "end of day" laboratory and office walk-throughs
manually closing fume hoods and shutting lights.
EPA New England continues to explore ways to achieve further energy savings
at the EPA New England Laboratory. The laboratory is investigating both an
energy recommissioning of the facility and implementation of an on-site
renewable energy project.
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Awards
LEED Gold Rating (2003)
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a
rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to
encourage and facilitate the development of more sustainable
buildings. The laboratory was awarded a LEED 1.0 Gold Rating,
and was the first laboratory facility in New England, and the first EPA building
nationally, to receive a LEED rating at any level.
EPA H20verachiever Award (2006)
EPA BTU Buster Award (2005)
Leader in Energy Conservation Award (2003)
Presidential Closing the Circle Award (2002)
GSA National Build Green and Beyond Award (2002)
GSA National Demolition Derby Award (2002)
Eagle Excellence in Construction Award (2001)
Resources & Contact Info
EPA New England
Regional Laboratory
11 Technology Drive
North Chelmsford, MA
01863-2431
(617) 918-8300
(888) 372-7341
ENERGY STAR®
www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR® is a joint EPA and
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
program to protect the environment
through energy efficient products and
practices.
Labs for the 21st century
www.epa.gov/lab21gov
Sponsored by EPA and DOE, Lab21®
is a voluntary partnership dedicated to
improving the environmental performance
of U.S. laboratories.
Environmental Management Systems
www.epa.gov/ems/
www.epa.gov/ne/ems/
© printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum 50% post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based ink
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