Edgewater, Md.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre initiated a $45 million renovation and expansion of the Mathias Laboratory in May of 2011. Located in Edgewater, Md., the project includes construction of a two-story, 69,000-sf addition housing laboratory and support space and renovation of 21,000 sf. The project will feature a geothermal HVAC system with enthalpy wheels for energy recovery, rooftop photovoltaic panels, low-flow fume hoods, and wastewater recycling. Designed by EwingCole to attain LEED Gold sustainable design certification, the facility will use 37 percent less energy than a comparable conventional facility.