United States. ASHRAE released details about its new world headquarters, located just outside atlanta, Georgia. The website will ashrae.org/newhq provide updates on the design and renovation of the net-zero energy building.
"We are excited to share the updated progress at our new ASHRAE world headquarters," said ASHRAE 2018-2019 President Sheila J. Hayter. "Through the web, we will share our design journey and offer educational, informative and useful content for members, partners, media and other stakeholders to show sustainability in action, resilience exceeding ASHRAE's energy supplies, indoor air quality and comfort standards and integrated, cost-effective construction solutions."
The new and renovated building will become a showcase of the latest HVAC/R equipment and technology, providing a destination for visitors and industry members to experience. Some key project objectives for the new building are:
- Demonstrate how to transform existing old buildings from outdated work environments to high-performance work environments.
- Show a net and affordable energy strategy.
- Provide energy, demand and environment data from HQ Building to the web interface.
- Be visible, when and where appropriate, within the building as an educational element.
- Provide additional sensors and monitoring capability in spaces such as conference rooms, so that the data obtained can support ASHRAE's research and experimental work. This includes electronic data storage and handling capacity and a weather monitoring station.
- Provide provisions for a building automation system.
- Submit an AHRAE Building EQ A+ rating.
- Provide a building environment that sets new standards for worker productivity and well-being through superior visual acuity, natural light, acoustics, thermal comfort and air quality.
The purchased building, built in 1978, sits on 11 acres and measures 66,700 square feet. The two-story building, which includes a partial basement, will be designed to provide space for approximately 125 occupants and will have a lifespan of at least 50 years. The selected materials will be able to withstand Atlanta's hot and humid weather conditions.
"ASHRAE's global headquarters will inspire our industry to incorporate energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable practices that reflect an understanding of the high-performance building movement," said Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President of ASHRAE. "The new web presence will provide a step-by-step analysis of this design project and give visitors an engaging insight into ASHRAE's vision and goals."
ASHRAE has embarked on a highly visible construction campaign to support generous donor contributions with a wide range of benefits including outstanding building exhibits, donor wall recognition, naming rights, roles in ASHRAE's national and international publications and case studies, web presence, social media presence and a special commemorative post about the project. More information about this campaign can be found in ashrae.org/newhq.
The renovation project is overseen by an ad hoc and technical committee composed of ASHRAE volunteers. McLennan Design, Houser Walker Architecture and Integral Group have been selected as the design team. The project team also includes Collins Project Management (Project Management), Skanska (Construction Manager at Risk) and Epsten Group (Commissioning Agent).
ASHRAE will move to the new world headquarters in October 2020.
