HLS Facilities Summer Projects Make our Buildings Greener

Credit: Martha Stewart Lighting updates in Langdell Library were among Facilities summer projects

The Harvard Law School Facilities team was hard at work all summer upgrading buildings and systems to improve energy efficiency. Highlights of their efforts include:

Campus-wide:                

• HLS earned $92K in total NSTAR rebates across all summer 2010 projects, which include HVAC, lighting and occupancy sensor updates in several buildings across campus.                       
• The Law School has automatically linked the online event management system to the building heating and cooling system. The HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Cooling) system is now automatically programmed according to room occupancy, which saves energy when rooms are not being used.

Langdell Library:

• Daylight sensors were added to the reading room chandeliers to automatically adjust the light level based on external available light.

North Hall:

• Three rooftop heat recovery units were installed, replacing existing 100% outside air roof top units.  The new units capture warm and cold exhaust air from the system and recycle it back into free heating & cooling. Estimated savings are 150 MTCDE(metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents)/year.
• New efficient elevators installed.
• High-efficiency motors and VFD (variable frequency drives) were installed for optimum control of building heating and cooling loops.
• All new appliances and laundry equipment installed are Energy Star rated.
• Common area lighting was upgraded with a new occupancy sensor. The 35% power density reduction achieved exceeds ASHRAE standards.
• Water-efficient aerators and shower heads were installed which are expected to reduce annual water consumption by 30%.
• 95% of construction waste was recycled
• 20% of materials came from regional sources and 50% of woods used are certified.
• Throughout the course of the project indoor environmental quality was assured throughout the project through indoor air quality management and the use of low VOC adhesives, paints, flooring and composite woods.

Hastings Hall:

• Restroom upgrades
  • Lighting and exhaust fans were upgraded with occupancy sensors for improved energy performance control.  The 20% power density reduction achieved exceeds ASHRAE standards.
  • Water-efficient aerators and shower heads were installed which are expected to reduce annual water consumption by 30%.
  • 93% of construction waste was recycled
  • 20% of materials came from regional sources
  • Throughout the course of the project indoor environmental quality was assured throughout the project through indoor air quality management and the use of low VOC adhesives, paints, flooring and composite woods.