Idaho National Lab Dedicates Energy Research Laboratory

Idaho National Laboratory dedicated the $17 million Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls on February 20, 2009. Located on the banks of the Snake River on the campus of Idaho State University, the 55,000-sf facility was created in partnership with the state of Idaho and its three public research universities. When fully occupied, the building will house nearly 160 people including graduate students, researchers from INL and academic institutions, and private industry partners. Designed by GSBS Architects of Salt Lake City, the zinc clad building has been awarded LEED Gold certification for sustainable design. Using extensive daylighting, the building consumes 38% less energy than is allowed by the ASHRAE 90.1 2004 code. This efficiency reduces electrical costs by 32.3 percent and natural gas costs by 47.8 percent for an annual savings of $68,000. The project features low or no VOC interior materials, with all potentially harmful chemical sources exhausted to the outside. The HVAC systems are designed to allow occupant control while effectively delivering clean, fresh air to each space. The stormwater management system prevents any contaminants from entering the river by using bioswales for filtration. The project team included Big-D Construction, Colvin Engineering, and Spectrum Engineers.