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December 20, 2005, EPA signed a three-year
en power contract (procured through the
ense Energy Support Center) for its then-current
soon-to-be-completed Northern Virginia office.
lual delivery of 4.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh)
he form of renewable energy certificates (RECs)
an on February 1, 2006. This purchase helps meet
i's Headquarters Environmental Management
System (EMS) goals, offsetting TOO percent of the
facility's annual electricity consumption and support-
ing the generation of renewable energy at wind farms
in Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
the design and building process. EPA occupants with expertise in
a variety of areas provided technical support to represent their
programs as the Potomac Yard facility was developed. EPA pro-
gram staff provided requirements and review for integrated pest
management, green cleaning, sustainable furniture selection,
recycled content in construction materials, and waste recycling
programs during construction and after occupancy. A user edu-
cation program, which includes signage, has been developed to
inform occupants and visitors about the sustainable features and
operations of the facility.
Lighting is responsible for nearly 30 percent of the energy consumption of a typical office
building. Potomac Yard uses ENERGY STAR efficient lighting strategies to reduce ener-
gy use, such as: double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling on the perimeter; glass panel
insets in the systems furniture, and glass doors and sidelights for conference rooms and
offices that extend natural daylighting farther into the core of the building. The facility also
features dimming ballasts on perimeter overhead lighting with daylight sensor controls to
reduce the need for artificial light when daylight can compensate for foot candle (fc) levels,
and occupancy sensors with manual override switches in enclosed offices and shared support
spaces. General office overhead lights supply an average of 30 fc ambient light using energy
efficient T-8 lamps and a translucent lens that splays a wide angle of light across the office
area. Individually controlled T-2 task lights supplement the overhead lighting to provide the
required 50 fc at the desktop. This strategy provides for individual preferences and reduces
general lighting levels for an opportunity to reduce overall energy use.
roofs typically raise interior tern]
ees raiiiemieiL noue
in urban/suburban densities than rural
areas, resulting in higher energy use to
keep up with the cooling requirements.
The facility's highly reflective, wh:"
flat, and sloped ENERGY STAF
compliant roof materials ai
designed to reduce the amount
cled into bins daily, diverting construction waste from
landfills. EPA tenants will have recycling bins on
each floor to collect bottles, cans, paper, cardboard,
batteries, CD/DVD/diskettes, and toner/inkjet car-
tridges. A recycling room next to the loading dock in each building will store
recydables until they can be hauled to offsite recycling facilities.
Sand filters located below the grade
in the rear of the facility will treat
stormwater runoff from each build-
the cooling demand and energy use.
Low-VOC adhesives, paints, sealant, and caulks were used
throughout tenant and public areas to ensure superior
indoor air quality (IAQ) for the facility's occupants. In
addition, the facility's operations and maintenance staff will
follow established sustainable best management practices
plans for cleaning, pest management, and landscaping to
ensure IAQ standards set during construction are retained.
To promote water efficiency the
exterior landscape has no perma-
nent irrigation and uses drought-
resistant and local plants such as
the American Holly.
expected to reduce total suspended
solids by more than 80 percent and
total phosphorous by 40 percent.
Mechanical system performance
was specified to be 20 percent better
than ASHRAE 90.1 1999. The facility has
Eomated systems control with monitor-
capabilities and is fully commissioned
1 reviewed by a commissioning agent.
The sustainable workstation
furniture procured for Potomac
Yard contains 35 to 40 percent
recycled material content. Office
furniture containing recovered
materials is a designated product
under the federal government
Comprehensive Procurement
Guidelines (CPG) program. The
certified for indoor air quality
material emissions. Other sustain-
able features include ergonomic
chairs, energy-efficient task
lamps, and corn-based fabric on
workstation exterior panels.
EPA installed two pantries on every floor using sus-
tainable materials and finishes such as recycled
aluminum in counter tops, metal laminate cabinetry,
linoleum flooring, and rubber bases. The pantries are
stacked from floor to floor so they can easily direct
exhaust to the outside, maintaining IAQ. ENERGY
STAR refrigerators and microwaves are located in the
central pantries for energy efficiency.
During construction, an IAQ plan
was established to protect the
facility's finish materials stored on
site such as drywall, ceiling tiles,
and heating, ventilation, and air con-x
ditioning (HVAC) system open duct-
work. To prevent contamination from odors, dust, or
liquids, plastic sheet covers and raised pallets were
used until the materials were installed and the
mechanical system was fully enclosed.
Green roofs help
reduce sun heat
loads transferred
to occupied space
below. An accessi-
ble patio and
1,711-square foot
green roof planted with sedum in
4-inch depth trays are located on the
fourth level connection between the
two towers. Recycled content plastic lum
ber benches are provided for tenant use.
Low-flow faucets with electronic shutoff,
men's room low-flow urinals, and women's
room dual-flush toilets contribute to the
facility's overall water conservation.
EPA required in its lease procurement that the build-
ing be located in close proximity to the local
Metrorail trains, Metro buses, and the Agency shut-
tle bus routes and provide shower facilities and
onsite bicycle parking for 53 bikes to encourage
environmentally responsible commuting.
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