Morrissey Engineering
Omaha, Nebraska

Starks is proud to be involved in this LEED project for Morrissey Engineering.

Overview

• Location: Omaha, NE
• Building type(s): Commercial office
• New construction
• 14,348 sq. feet (1,333 sq. meters)
• Project scope: 1-story building with Mezzanine
• Suburban setting
• Completion anticipated September 2008
• Rating: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-NC, v.2.2--Level: Gold (40 attempted points)

The 4940 Building houses the offices of Morrissey Engineering, Inc, a mechanical, electrical engineering consulting firm. The firm is involved design and LEED consultation for numerous projects seeking LEED certification and desires to demonstrate their commitment and knowledge of the process.

Company growth created the need for relocation. The company’s leadership wanted to create a space that demonstrated the aesthetics and functionality that can exist when architecture and engineering are integrated and designed to be complementary of each other. Creating a place that assists in attracting and retaining the most qualified engineering talent was also a priority.

Many properties were researched. The site that was ultimately selected is a highly landscaped, natural environment that will provide a perfect backdrop to a high performance facility.

Environmental Aspects
The client wanted to lead by example and create a working model of high efficiency whose actual energy savings will create a testimonial to the accuracy and predictability of their design calculations. The design team set a goal of achieving a LEED silver rating or better.

The project promotes the use of alternative transportation with designated parking spaces for carpools and energy efficient vehicles, bike paths, interior and exterior bike storage and showers.

A 2.5 acre pond water feature will be used for rainwater detention from the roof of the properties around the pond. Non-potable irrigation wate is pumped from the pond. The pond fills from an adjacent creek running near the property. Restroom facilities use water-conserving systems.

A ground coupled heat pump system provides highly efficient heating and cooling. Energy recovery is used to capture exhaust heat to condition ventilation air. Demand controlled ventilation is used to reduce energy and assure adequate ventilation for a healthy environment.

Alternative energy sources were explored. A 2KW wind turbine is connected to the electrical system to provide onsite renewable energy. Additionally, future provisions are made for solar technologies. Electrical distribution is segregated into lighting, mechanical, and general power with metering of each. Meters output data to software for usage summaries including pounds of CO2 generated. Metering is important for ongoing commissioning for the life of the building.

Ninety percent of building occupants enjoy views of the pond from their workspace. Daylight harvesting techniques are employed by use of a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface system where every fixture can be individually controlled. Daylighting controls provide dimming and reduce open office lighting energy usage by 90%. Skylights are also used for better lighting contrast throughout the space.

Materials selected for the project include locally produced brick and concrete masonry units, aluminum, FSC-certified wood, low-emissivity insulated tinted glass. Local materials were emphasized both to reflect the Midwest region and to satisfy LEED(r) requirements. Minimal finishes were used in the building.

LEED Features:

• LEED-NC Certified
• Whole building energy simulation calculates estimated annual energy savings
• Separate metering for lighting, mechanical, and general power systems verifies energy savings and allows for ongoing commissioning
• Electrical meters output data to software for usage summaries including pounds of CO2 generated
• Extensive natural light and outdoor views for office space provide occupants an connection to the outdoors
• DALI digital continuous dimming daylight harvesting system
• Grid tied wind turbine produces onsite renewable energy
• Neighbor friendly low light spill outdoor lighting including cutoff parking area lights
• Community pond for rainwater collection provide irrigation without the use of potable water
• Concrete parking lot and white roof reduce heat island effect to minimize impact on microclimate
• Preferred parking for bicycles and alternative fuel vehicles reduce pollution from automobiles
• Low flow plumbing fixtures reduce water usage
• Ground source heat pump system provides highly efficient heating and cooling
• Energy recovery units recover exhaust heat to condition ventilation air
• Demand controlled ventilation reduces energy use while maintaining occupant comfort
• Recycled construction waste reduces waste in landfills and redirects materials for reuse
• Use of regional materials reduces environmental impact of transporting materials
• Use of certified wood encourages environmentally responsible forestry
• Use of low emitting materials reduces indoor contaminants to improve the well being of occupants
• Enhanced building envelope and premium glass.

Thank you to the staff of Morrissey Engineering for this project description.