Loyola Information Commons Cuts Energy Usage

Loyola University’s Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons was designed to achieve a 50 percent reduction in energy usage as compared to buildings utilizing conventional HVAC systems. The building became functional in mid-January 2008 and has quickly proven itself to be a green success. Energy usage data collected so far indicates that the LEED Silver building is saving more than the projected 50 percent. Hill Mechanical Group of Franklin Park, Ill., installed the HVAC system for the four-story, 70,000-sf facility. Hill is a member of the Green Construction Institute of the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago. Designed with a hydronic heating and cooling system, the building uses radiant ceiling slabs which contain looping tubes for carrying heated or chilled water. These slabs release hot or cold energy throughout the large open space between the limestone ‘bookends’ of the building. In cold weather, warm water loops through the tubes and provides radiant heating. In the summer, chilled water is pumped through the tubes to cool the building. The Commons’ system uses existing campus facilities to deliver the heated or chilled water to the building. A green roof works to collect rainwater, draining the excess into Lake Michigan. The Commons also uses other sustainable technologies to attain energy efficiency. In warm weather, input from an exterior weather station opens automated windows in the building’s east and west facades, so that breezes from Lake Michigan can cool the interior space. The project features a double-skin facade to manage heat flow and natural ventilation through the year. The facade is comprised of two layers of glass separated by air space. Air circulates in the cavities between the facades, while four-inch horizontal blinds track the sun’s movement throughout the day. These blinds reflect away the heat of excess radiant energy while allowing natural daylight to illuminate the building.