• The use of the building for optics labs was a challenge to meet energy requirements since optics labs are very energy intensive spaces and require precise temperature and humidity control. The design for the renovation of the Goel Quantum Science and Engineering Building prioritized energy conservation measures to achieve a 58% energy reduction from a typical college or university building.   

• Additionally, the project is pursuing LBC petal certification in Materials. This certification was a pilot project to learn how the certification compares to the goals and objectives of the Harvard Healthier Building Academy (HHBA).  As part of pursuing the Materials Petal, over 3,000 products were researched, and 870 products were used in the final construction. 

The Harvard Heathier Building Academy (HHBA) takes a class-based approach to eliminating chemical classes of concern from building products, finishes, and furnishings. These chemical classes include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemical flame retardants, and antimicrobials in all 14 interior product categories and more chemical classes where we can go further, for example, carpet.  

• Across the 14 product categories, 48 products that meet the Harvard Healthier Building Academy (HHBA) standards were installed. 

• The project selected 56 products with Declare transparency labels.   

• Over 800 manufacturers were contacted to advocate for transparency in their products and eliminating the HHBA defined chemicals of concern. 

In addition to selecting healthy materials, the project design leveraged natural design elements to enhance the occupant experience and well-being. Examples of “bringing the outdoors in,” also described as “biophilic design,” include: 

• The amplified use of green colors, geometric patterns, and sculptural light fixtures create an environment noticeably different from the rigorous and demanding experimental and theoretical research areas. 

• Areas with casual seating, soft materials, along with access to daylight and views provide an opportunity for decompression and respite. 

• Aspects of biophilic design include the material palette, as well as spatial arrangements, in order to promote wellness, balance and comfort. 

• The mechanical system design includes several air handling units that provide 100% fresh air to occupied spaces such as the optics labs, general labs, and offices. 

• Health of building occupants is supported through high quality indoor air.  The HHBA products installed contribute to improved indoor air quality by avoiding the generation of dust containing “chemical classes of concern” (many derived from petrochemicals). 

• The renovation was designed with efficient mechanical systems that include multiple forms of energy recovery: 

• Fume hood exhaust in the labs is separated on a dedicated system so that the laboratory general exhaust air can be returned to the energy recovery units (highly efficient enthalpy wheels) on the roof to pre-condition the outside air. 

• Heat is recovered from the humidity control system serving the optics lab to reduce steam use. 

• A heat shift chiller electrifies some fossil-fuel-based steam loads by recovering waste heat from the chiller for use in the building hot water system. This is more efficient than solely using campus chilled water for a portion of the cooling load.  

• Modeling predicts these energy saving measures will result in a 58% energy reduction in non-lab spaces.  

• By retrofitting the existing building, the project’s embodied carbon is significantly reduced compared to constructing an entirely new building. The building’s steel and concrete structure and exterior envelope were retained, along with interior partitions, stairs, finishes and building systems in select spaces. 

• For the renovated areas, the project team carefully selected materials for the building interiors, focusing on low embodied carbon materials for ceilings, carpets, and gypsum wallboards. 

• The project team performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the building that demonstrated a 56% embodied carbon reduction compared to comparable low-carbon new building baseline. 

• In addition to retaining much of the existing building, the project team developed a Materials Conservation Management Plan that flagged existing materials within the existing building for donation, recycle and reuse within the building, prior to the start of construction. In the end over 1,600 items were diverted for recycling, reuse or donation 

• The project anticipates a 38% indoor water reduction. Building features designed to reduce potable water consumption include efficient fixtures and condensate recovery for flushing of toilets and urinals.