FAU College of Computer Science and Engineering Building: Southeast Florida's First LEED Platinum Building

Florida Atlantic University's College of Computer Science and Engineering Building was the first LEED Platinum building in Southeast Florida and the first academic building in the state to achieve such a rating. The project was designed by Leo A Daly, is 96,000 square feet and was completed in 2011. The five story building is home to FAU's computer science, electrical, and computer engineering programs. Science buildings typically observe higher energy usage than typical buildings, however this project used a number of innovative and cutting edge technologies to reach LEED platinum certification.

 

With the site location in Boca Raton, heat gain and the issue of cooling the building in an energy efficient manner was crucial to the design process. The building utilizes chilled beam technology, a type of convection HVAC system that is able to cool the large building without the need of moving large quantities of chilled air throughout the building. Instead, cool water is passed through a "beam" which is suspended from the ceiling, cooling the air around it and causing air to circulate by convection. The building also uses geothermal wells to regulate the interior temperature. In addition the building is oriented to minimize heat gain, and the buildings facades are design to additionally reduce heat gain. Sun screens on the south facade of the building reduce heat gain by 60%. In addition the glazing of the building is made with low-e glass. All these energy efficient technologies allow for the building to witness an energy reduction of over 30%.

 

The orientation of the building allows it to take full advantage of the Florida sun, maximizing day light throughout the building. Over 90% of the spaces can be lit with natural light, reducing the amount of energy needed to power lights. Each classroom is equipped with light sensors that automatically adjust according to lighting conditions. The building also generates energy through solar panels located on the roof. Additionally the building's hot water is heated using daylight.

The building also excels at water efficiency. Rainwater capturing systems on the roof provide the water for irrigating the site, and with an average annual rainfall of 57 inches, a tremendous amount of saved water. The landscaping of the site was done with native vegetation to encourage biodiversity and limit the water requirements for irrigation. Also, wetlands were constructed on the site to control storm water during high periods of rain. In addition, high efficiency fixtures were used throughout the building, resulting in water savings of over 30%.