Sustainability Project - Linde Robinson Laboratory, Cal Tech, Pasadena
03/09/2011 14:35
RICS Americas, Communications Manager, Abigail E. La Croix, conducted a Q&A with the Davis Langdon Group based on a presentation about the Linde Robinson Laboratory, Cal Tech, Pasadena project given at the joint RICS/AIA gathering in 2010. The Q&A also focuses on the dynamics of green buildings. A copy of the project’s cost for sustainable features is attached.  Paul Abernathy FRICS Coomy Kadribegovic RICS: Based on your presentation for the Linde Robinson Laboratory, Cal Tech, Pasadena project given at the joint RICS/AIA gathering in 2010, could you tell readers the processes involved in undertaking this initiative and how you arrived at your calculations? DLG: The goal was to achieve LEED platinum whilst maintaining the existing historic nature of the building. The process was to monitor costs and design throughout the pre-construction phases. The Davis Langdon team combined our sustainability expertise coupled with our quantity surveying skills. This allowed for the most efficient selection of energy-saving measures combined with close regard to their inherent capital investment value. RICS: Does creating a low carbon future represent a new design parameter? If yes, please explain DLG: In order to achieve a lower carbon future we needed to develop a design parameter – with a view to both initial capital expenditure and to cost incurred in usage over the life of the building. With Linde Robinson such measures involved the selection of “solar pit”, a medium temperature water storage tank, daylight harvesting and displacement ventilation. These choices aimed to utilize the existing thermal mass/structure of the building for energy saving features. RICS: Could you outline a few principles that are necessary for engineering professionals (Sustainability) to attain a highly effective career? DLG: The modern engineering professional now needs to be closely aware not only of the initial cost of systems but also their “pay-back” cycles. This also involves staying ahead of current design trending. Especially as the industry is, arguably, evolving more rapidly than ever before. Engineers need to be fully conversant with energy modeling techniques and be willing to draw upon sister disciplines when limitations are perceived in their realm of influence. RICS: The push towards sustainable property is based not only on ethical requirements but also the significant savings in cost, energy and emissions; how do you identify new markets and opportunities which will further diversify practice areas for professionals? DLG: The new markets are going to involve the emerging “Energy” sectors. These comprise of wind, solar, geothermal, bio-refinery technologies. It will also see the development of existing sectors such as hydro-electric and co-generation. These existing sectors are moving to prominence as the cost of energy becomes more of a focus. RICS: With Governments’ new regulatory frameworks starting to establish markets for low carbon buildings, from a value standpoint, what do you perceive as the right policy framework in which the market can operate sustainably? DLG: California, debatably, leads the way in establishing markets for low carbon buildings. As a result, the newly enforced ‘Calgreen’, the first mandatory statewide building code, goes into effect Jan 1, 2011. This aims to reduce GHG by 3 million metric tons by 2020. Criticisms of ‘Calgreen’ extend to worries that the implementation is unclear. However, Calgreen should be perceived as the minimal first step to get all projects that have criticized voluntary rating systems to finally, involuntarily, take the plunge into energy- efficient design. For all those disappointed in ‘Calgreen’, the future versions promise to be more stringent than the current code. In the final analysis - we believe that developed ‘Calgreen’ standards coupled with sound decision cost control, energy modeling comparisons and life cycle cost analysis should provide the right policy framework in which the market can operate sustainably. RICS: According to some sustainability professionals, the cycle of decarburization is 40 years, of which it takes one year to design, two to build, five to determine if you have decent data and 10 for infrastructure; since value is measurable, if the market is not responding, at what point focusing on value should show where there are still market barriers in the procurement chain? And what impact, if any, would that have on policy changes? DLG: Focus on value should be given at each of the stages above. The most impact certainly can be achieved through design and construction, however, the ideal point to focus on carbon would be during master planning, space planning and utilization studies. The 40-year cycle can be drastically cut down at that stage through strategic facilities planning. Greater local and federal government control in terms of tax incentives, burdens and grant approvals would partly assist in breaking down some of the market barriers we experience today. Government-regulated policies mandating carbon reductions, such as AB32 and EO13514, are the first step in instituting progress in this area. Information and answers were provided by Paul Abernathy FRICS and his colleague at Davis Langdon, Coomy Kadribegovic. Paul Abernathy FRICS LEED AP, Senior Associate, Davis Langdon Paul Abernathy has over 26 years of experience in the building profession, working on behalf of building contractors and cost consulting firms, focusing on mechanical and electrical cost controls and design initiatives, and specializing in the healthcare and education sectors. He currently leads Davis Langdon’s California MEP team, utilizing his estimating expertise in the building, structural, mechanical and electrical disciplines. Mr. Abernathy has spoken at conferences for the American Association of Cost Engineers, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the American Society of Professional Estimators, presenting on mechanical and electrical cost management. Mr. Abernathy has worked on projects ranging in size from $1 million to $500 million in the education, healthcare, public, residential, government and cultural sectors. His extensive experience includes analyzing projects by functional component and preparing bills of quantities, evaluation of change orders, and post contract management and control. Mr. Abernathy received a Bachelor of Science in Building Technology from Manchester University and is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the American Association of Cost Engineers. Coomy Kadribegovic LEED AP BD+C, Davis Langdon Coomy Kadribegovic, LEED AP BD+C has more than nine years of experience with researching and implementing sustainable design technologies for academic, transportation and residential buildings throughout California. Ms. Kadribegovic has provided LEED services during all design stages and construction administration to agencies and design teams for individual buildings. She has conducted design and construction phase workshops on sustainability concepts and their incorporation into projects with owners and design teams. Ms. Kadribegovic is a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the US Green Building Council. She has provided sustainability design analysis, green cost implications, full life cycle cost analysis, feasibility studies, LEED workshops, contractor workshops and Green Building Ordinance Plan Check reviews for the City of Pasadena. Linde Robinson Laboratory, Cal Tech, Pasadena Formerly Astrophysics – built 1932 to house the Palomar telescope Gross Area: 45,000 SF Architect/Contractor: Architectural Resources Group/Del Amo Engineers: Rumsey Engineering LEED: platinum (41 design + 17 construction) The renovated lab will use 60 percent less electricity, 30 percent less natural gas, 60 percent less water and cost 66 percent less to operate than a standard laboratory – most energy efficient US Laboratory Mayor Bill Bogaard: "Emphasizing Pasadena history and architecture and a commitment to sustainability while advancing the work of Caltech." 
|