Living Laboratory Final Report

Living Laboratory Final Report

Graduate Group:Dejia KongYingmin XueYaning LiuFangyi Ren

0. Executive Summary

As a celebration of the University of Pittsburgh’s year of sustainability, we choose O’Hara

Student Center as our living laboratory plan. O’Hara Student Center is relatively old building

compared with others at Pitt and renovated only once so far, therefore it still has some

unsustainable aspects in designs. In this project, we plan to alter those aspects like types of

light, toilet and roof for the purpose of making the building become a more ecological, economic

and efficient place for students, faculty and staff, but still maintain its architecture style.

1. Introduction, Background, and Motivation

1.1 Motivation

Sustainable Development is often an over-used word, but goes to the heart of tackling a number of

inter-related global issues such as poverty, inequality, hunger and environmental degradation.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable

Innovation (MCSI) and to build upon the ongoing philanthropy of two of Pitt’s most generous

donors, Pitt officials announced a new $37.5 million funding initiative comprising various

endowments and current funds to support sustainability-related academics and research. Through

the leadership of a new Sustainability Task Force, established by the Office of the Provost, the

University will extend sustainability initiatives throughout Pitt’s academic programs and research

initiatives.

A new sustainability task force was formed and is working on developing and implementing an

education, research, and living laboratory plan.

This project is a part of living laboratory plan, and seeks to reduce negative impacts on the

environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants by utilizing a sustainable design

principle, and thereby improving building performances.

1.2 Background

“A living lab is a given place where problem-based teaching, research and applied work combine to

develop actionable solutions that make that place more sustainable. These living labs accelerate

transitions to a more sustainable place through joint commitments from students, faculty, staff and

local residents to design, implement, adapt and teach new approaches that address issues of equity,

economy and ecology (AASHE 2013).”

1.3 Case study in other Universities

Green Mountain College

The pursuit of climate neutrality by 2011 at Green Mountain College has inspired a new

certificate program in green building and renewable energy technology and opened up

opportunities for collaboration with the local community in Poultney, Vermont, where faculty and

students will research potential for solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal power and help create an

energy plan for the town.

Living Laboratory can enhance education and research in the following aspects:

Improve the international learning experience of students by carrying out real-life research; 

Get access to an international network of universities with industry support targeting a specific

knowledge theme;

Provide a bilateral platform for education and research, industry and government from both

countries to work together and create added value for the professional practice;

Within the Labs students, lecturers and researchers from both countries conduct research

assignments for which real-world workplace issues are selected. The results of the applied

research will benefit the professional field and bring innovation to the selected knowledge theme

in both countries. 

1.4. Introduction

The O'Hara Student Center is a three-story, 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m2) building on the

campus of the University of Pittsburgh on O'Hara Street in the Oakland neighborhood

of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Figure 1

It is formerly the Concordia Club, but in the face of declining membership and a shortage of

cash, the club is closed on December 14, 2009 and is sold to University of Pittsburgh.

Figure 2

The University of Pittsburgh spent $5.8 million in upgrades, preservation, and renovations that

were completed in April, 2011 and provided about 35,000 square feet (3,300 m2) of space to

help alleviate shortages in student group events, meetings, and office space at the WPU.

Upgrades included tearing out walls, updating the heating and cooling systems, replacing the

roof, and upgrading the lighting. The first floor contains the oak paneled space for studying or

socializing as well as a dining room that can double as a meeting room. A staircase, with

original wood railings, leads to a second floor contains a 450-person capacity, sound system-

equipped ball room that includes an open balcony, arched windows, and a small stage. From a

previous renovation more than 50 years ago, the ballroom contains three chandeliers, one

larger than the others, and a number of sconces. Renovations to the ball room included

restoring access to the balcony, applying gold leaf trim to the wall panels, and a restoration of

the chandeliers, including replacement of the light bulbs with LEDs, by the original lighting

fabricator located in Pittsburgh's Strip District. The basement of the Student Center is used as

a storage area for student groups. The facility also houses the Math Assistance Center, the

Freshman Studies Program, and the student Writing Center.

2. Project Goals and Selection

2.1 Goals & Objectives

The goals of the project is to change some unsustainable aspects in O’Hara Student Center,

such as types of light, toilet and roof to make the building become a more ecological, economic

and efficient place for students, faculty and staff.

The major objectives of this project are listed as following:

To minimize non-renewable energy consumption and waste;

To use more environmentally preferable products;

To protect and conserve water;

To enhance indoor environmental quality

To optimize operational and maintenance practices

The ultimate purpose is to create a more healthy and productive environment for Pitt.

2.2 Living Laboratory Alternatives

2.2.1. Water efficiency improvement

To reducing the quantity of water needed, we will improve the faucets and the toilets to the

items with Water Sense Label, like dual flush toilets and low flow faucets with motion

sensors. A faucet with a 1.5 gpm low-flow aerator can save 30% more water over a faucet

with a 2.2 gmp standard aerator. WaterSense faucets offer 1.5 gpm water-saving aerators

and have a 45% water savings over older, less efficient 2.75 gpm faucets. Motion/automatic

control sensors installed on faucets help control the amount of water used, thus not

allowing for a constant flow and saving water.

Dual-flush Toilets: A dual toilet has two buttons/levels. One provides a half flush, and the

other a full flush. These types of toilets of toilets can reduce water usage of up to 67%

compared to other standard and older toilets.

We also suggest to install water meters so that management faculties can measure and

verify of water usage. Installing water meters for different areas, called submetering, will

help in measurement and verification of water usage. Metering helps to identify losses due

to leakage and also provides the foundation on which to build an equitable rate structure to

ensure adequate revenue to operate the system.

Use Rainwater: Rainwater can be collected in cisterns, barrels, or storage tanks.

2.2.2. Energy efficiency improvement

Natural Ventilation: If the climate is appropriate, natural ventilation can provide fresh air and

regulate indoor temperature. Natural ventilation is not usually beneficial in hotter climates

where outdoor air temperature are high for most of the year. Install high efficiency Low-E

coating storm windows. Any well-constructed and well-installed storm window can reduce

air infiltration through the window, whether it’s coated or not. However, low-e coating (a

nearly invisible layer on the glass) reduces conduction and radiation heat losses even

further and can improve overall energy savings by 10-15 percent more than standard storm

windows without the high-performance coating. Low-e storm windows should also be

customized and are available for order from both independent window dealers and big-box

retailers. Improve the window

Window provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation. However, they can also

negatively impact a home’s energy efficiency. Thus, the building owner can reduce energy

costs by installing energy-efficient windows. When properly selected and installed, energy-

efficient window can help minimize the heating, cooling and lighting costs.

To best improve the effective of window in Pittsburgh, north-facing windows should use the

type that can gain heating from the outside. And windows on east, west and south facing

should be minimized to keep the in-building temperature while still allowing adequate

daylight get into the building. Low-emissivity window glazing can help with controlling solar

heating transfer through windows with insulated glazing. Windows manufactured with low-e

coatings typically cost about 10% to 15% more than traditional windows, but they reduce

energy loss up to 30% to 50%.

Figure 3 Window

Light Bulb Choice: Standard incandescent lamps are the light bulbs that used widely in

O’Hara building. In cold weather the heat from incandescent lamps contributes to building

heating, but in hot climates this heat increases the energy used by air conditioning systems.

Therefore, we recommend to use fluorescent lamps. Compared to incandescent lamps,

fluorescent lamps use less power to generate the same amount of light and generally last

longer. These lamps generate less heat and consume less electricity. Lighting products that

have earned the ENERGY STAR deliver exceptional features, while using less energy.

Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by

reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

Building Automation System: A building system (BAS) can help reduce energy use by

monitoring and regulating the many systems in a building. A BAS is computer based

monitoring system that allows managers to optimize how systems function. Systems can

call managers if a fire alarm goes off or if a retail store might be having a break in. More

information is given from automation systems allows to make the decisions a real time view

of what is happening in a building or series of buildings.

2.2.3. Preserve open space

Open space refers to natural areas that provide critical community space. This kind of areas

is usually defined by local zoning requirements. Open space preservation sets a serial of

smart growth goals, including bolstering local economies, improving community quality of

life, preserving critical environmental areas, and guiding new growth into existing

communities. It also provides significant health benefits and environmental quality.

Green roof, or vegetated roof, is one of design strategies that has multiple benefits not only

for the project owner and occupant but also environmental. Many projects are installing

green roofs as a method of rainwater management. Green roofs have been used in Europe

for over 30 years, so there is a plenty of information about development and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the life cycle costs of a green roof can last almost three times longer and lower

maintenance costs than a conventional roof. It also can provide a garden view for the

occupant and leads to higher working efficiency. Depending on plant selection, some types

of green roofs need no water and can absorb up to 70 % of rainwater itself (LEED).

Furthermore, green roofs can be used as an impactful way to reduce the heat island effect,

which helps provide a good insulation to reduce energy and help with building acoustics.

For building which have no landscaping areas, like urban buildings that stand against the

street, a green roof can contribute to meeting open space requirements.

Figure 4 Green Roof

Open grid paving: Alternatively, an open grid paving of parking spaces above ground can

help preserve open space and rainwater management and reduce runoff. Open grid means

a pavement that has at least 50% pervious cells to allow vegetation to grow through it. It

adds benefit of allowing rainwater to percolate through the open cells. Large volumes of

urban runoff causes serious problems, such as erosion and siltation in surface water

bodied. Open grid paving keep the pollutants in place in the soil and allow the groundwater

recharge, thus preventing the stream erosion problems. This kind of paving for the parking

lot also give ample space for the rooting system of urban trees, thus they can grow to full

size. At the same time, the porous surface of paving allow vital air and water get into the

rooting zone.

Figure 5 Open grid pave

2.3 Living Laboratory DescriptionCompared to other buildings, such as Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union, O’hara

Student Center has renovated for few times. Thus, it can be renovated in many aspects. After

visiting some buildings on our campus, we decided to choose O’hara Student Center as our

living laboratory project and redesign it in following aspects:

1. Water efficiency improvement

2. Energy efficiency improvement

3. Preserve open space

3. Your Living Laboratory Project

3.1 Concept Description

Our primary object of this project is to change the O’Hara student center into a more

environmental friendly building. By doing so, we will make several modifications based on the

existing building. After finishing all the changes by using Revit, Green Building Studio and Tally,

we are going to analysis the impacts of these changes.

First of all, we built the model of O’Hara student center by using the Revit software based on the

information that got from the building manager, the drawing showed in the figure 6, and our own

investigation, the photos from the Google Map showed in the figure 7. Since we are not

permitted to get the data of the O’Hara so what we have now are just building area and the

drawing section. The building is 4 stories above grade with 1700 square meter area. We

consider all exterior windows and doors into account to make sure that the estimate to be more

realistic. Then we adjust the location to the exact location of O’Hara, 4024 O’Hara Street,

Pittsburgh, PA 15213. By doing so, it guarantees that all the energy are based on the real

situation of Pittsburgh.

Figure 6. Drawing section of O’Hara Student CenterFigure 7. O’Hara Student Center form Google Map

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3.1.1 Conceptual Energy Analysis

Conceptual energy analysis is one way to perform energy analysis on conceptual mass and

building element models within design workflow. The energy analytical model feature in Revit

building design software provides tools for fast, flexible creation of models for energy simulation.

The final model as showed in the figure 8.We can get whole building energy analysis results

within Revit, powered by Green Building Studio cloud-based energy analysis service. Green

Building Studio provides a wide variety of energy use data so that we can improve analysis

quality and find potential opportunities for energy savings.

Figure 8. The model of O’Hara Student Centre

With this analysis, owners can make sustainable design decisions early in the design process. It

also can gain insight into energy consumption and building lifecycle costs early in the design

process without disrupting workflow. Using Revit to do the conceptual energy analysis. The

energy analyze result not only show the energy performance of the building, but also can

compare the energy performance of multiple alternative designs. Often comparing the

construction cost to the lifecycle cost is an important metric for balancing environmental design

and construction.

Green Building Studio is another useful energy analysis software. It enables architects and

designers to perform whole building analysis, optimize energy consumption, and work toward

carbon-neutral building designs earlier in the process. Cloud-based energy-efficiency software

helps teams achieve sustainable building designs faster and more accurately with powerful

energy and carbon analysis tools.

3.2 Quantitative Analysis 3.2.1 Tally

The analysis accounts for the full cradle-to-grave life cycle of O’Hara studied, including material

manufacturing, maintenance and replacement, and eventual end-of-life (disposal, incineration,

and/or recycling), the materials and energy used across all life cycle stages are also included.

Manufacturing includes cradle-to-gate manufacturing wherever possible. This includes raw

material extraction and processing, intermediate transportation, and final manufacturing and

assembly.

However, due to data limitations, some manufacturing steps have been excluded such as the

material and energy requirements for assembling doors and windows. The manufacturing scope

is listed for each entry, detailing any specific inclusions or exclusions that fall outside of the

cradle-to-gate scope. We analyze environmental impacts of O’Hara from the following aspects:

acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), global warming potential (GWP),

ozone depletion potential (ODP), smog formation potential (SFP), and primary energy demand

(PED). Acidification potential refers to the emission of SO2. The acidification potential is a

measure of a molecule’s capacity to increase the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in the

presence of water, thus decreasing the pH value. Potential effects include fish mortality, forest

decline, and the deterioration of building materials. Eutrophication covers all potential impacts of

excessively high levels of macronutrients, the most important of which are nitrogen (N) and

phosphorus (P). Nutrient enrichment may cause an undesirable shift in species composition and

elevated biomass production in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In aquatic ecosystems

increased biomass production may lead to depressed oxygen levels, because of the additional

consumption of oxygen in biomass decomposition. Global warming potential refers to the

greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2 and methane. These emissions are causing an

increase in the absorption of radiation emitted by the earth, increasing the natural greenhouse

effect. This may in turn have adverse impacts on ecosystem health, human health, and material

welfare. The results that Tally provides are based on different classification methods.

Figure 9 is a tally report which summarizes environmental impacts of this building. Tally makes

use of contribution assessments to show the relationship between building materials and their

corresponding environmental impacts across a range of impact categories such as Acidification,

Eutrophication and Global Warming Potential. Each contribution assessment is displayed as a

series of stacked bar graphs showing mass and impact category breakdowns. Totals are shown

at the top of each stacked bar, and the colors in each bar correspond to those seen in the

legend. For a focused view of global warming potential and primary energy demand, pie charts

are provided below. From figure 1, we can get that categories of concrete, metals and finishes

contribute large environmental impacts on both global warming potential and primary energy

demand.

Figure 9: Tally results per CSI Division, itemized by Material.

PS: The CSI Master Format system is the industry standard for organizing project manuals and

information about building products and systems.

3.2.2 Green Building Studio

GBS is a Web-based service provider on energy analysis of the building design. GBS enables

architects and engineers to perceive the energy impact prior to the actual construction of the

projected building. GBS is practical means of avoiding unnecessary expenditure in energy

consumption. So we used the GBS to compare the proposed model with the baseline model to

determine the anticipated energy cost savings.

1. Energy Analysis Results of Alternative Roofing

$289 energy cost and at least 2 tons CO2 emissions can be reduced every year by using

“continuous deck roof with high insulation” instead of traditional roof. That is because green

roofing has better insulation than traditional one, so that we can reduce the usage of air

condition. As a consequence, both the CO2 emissions and electric usage can be decreased.

Figure 10 shows the details.

Figure 10 Energy analysis for alternative roofing

2. Energy Analysis Results of Alternative Glazing

$465 annual energy cost and 5 tons annual CO2 emissions can be reduced by using “insulated

green reflective low-e glazing” instead. The energy saving in this part is limited, because we

can’t change the number and size of windows in O’hara student center and the glass amount is

not large in this building. Figure 11 shows the details.

Figur

e 11 Energy analysis for alternative glazing on North and Eastern walls

3. Energy Analysis Results of Alternative Lighting

Around $5000 annual energy cost and 59 tons annual CO2 emissions can be reduced by

increasing 40% of lighting efficiency and using occupancy sensors as lighting control. Details

shows on figure 12.

Figure 12 Energy analysis for alternative lighting

4. Total Energy Analysis Results of Three Alternatives: Roofing, Glazing and Lighting

After totally changing alternatives of roofing, glazing and lighting, we can achieve energy

savings by reducing 11% of the annual energy cost, 9% of lifecycle cost, and 13% of annual

CO2 emission, and 15% of lifecycle energy separately. Details shows on figure 13.

Figure 13 Total Energy analysis for alternatives: roofing, glazing and lighting

5. Water Efficiency Savings

There are 22 toilets, 10urinals and 11sinks in O’hara student center. Almost 120,000 gallons

water every year can be saved by using low-flow toilets, waterless urinals and low-flow sinks

instead. The water efficiency can be improved 12.5%. Details shows on figure 14.

Figure 14 Water efficiency savings

4. Future Work & Recommendations

The target building we talked about in this project is an existing building. Therefore, we can’t do

too many replacements and technical renovation. However, considering these limits, we will

provide some other improvements, which are really helpful but not so practical in this project.

Hopefully, it will be beneficial to future construction. In the following part, more information

about ideal renovation will be explained in details.

1) HVAC System

In the United States, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for 30%

of the energy used in commercial building and 50% of the energy used in residential buildings.

[15] So cutting HVAC energy use is a good idea to save energy. The main purposes of a

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system are to help maintain good indoor air

quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort. HVAC systems

are among the largest energy consumers in schools. The choice and design of the HVAC

system can also affect many other high performance goals, including water consumption (water

cooled air conditioning equipment) and acoustics.

The rooftop units have a design that the cooling units to operate at 100%, 80%, 60% or 30%

capacity. The rooftops units have two-stage gas heating sections with long-life stainless heat

exchangers. The tight building envelope and the gains in internal heat mean that the heating

sections operate only for a few hours each year. Both the rooftop units and the dehumidification

modules are important to plant efficiency.

HVAC systems have air filters to clean impurities from the air and protect the HVAC equipment

from dust. Choosing the right air filter and replacing it at regular maintenance intervals will go a

long way in saving money. Underfloor Air Distribution- Underfloor heating and cooling,

sometimes called “raised flooring,” places the ventilation ducts underneath the floor rather than

in the ceiling area.

2) Building Construction

Passive solar design uses the structure’s windows, walls and floors to collect, store, and

distribute the sun’s heat in the winter and reduce a building’s energy demand for cooling in

summer. When these features are tailed to the local climate and environment they can produce

well-lit spaces that stay in a comfortable temperature range. Incorporating passive solar design

elements into buildings and homes can reduce heating bills by as much as 50%.

3) Ceiling

ENERGY STAR Certified ceiling fan/light are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light

units, which can save you more than $15 per year on utility bills.

When designing an energy-efficient building, people tend to focus on everything from insulation

to window placement, but in fact, ceiling systems can also play a role in effective energy

conservation. Here’s a look at ceiling contributions to achieve energy savings. Comfort can be

improved by creating warmer surfaces due to higher insulation values and eliminating air

leakage which leads to drafts. Building durability can be improved by reducing condensation,

also affected by insulation and air sealing, and by improved ventilation which serves to reduce

moisture levels in winter and reduce attic temperatures in summer. And, an air-tight ceiling is

especially important in reducing the stack effect that can lead to backdrafting of combustion

appliances.

The benefits of High Light Reflectance Ceilings are:

Total building energy savings up to 11%

Increased occupant satisfaction and productivity

4) Sensor Faucet & Sensor Toilet Flush

Ideally, automatic toilets and faucets are good. However, there are some possibilities that they

do not function well. In that situation, they become such a waste of water and energy and flush

at all the wrong times. And yes, they usually have a manual flush button, but that doesn’t stop

them from automatically flushing. In fact, people may once accidentally overflow a urinal

because they press the button and it auto-flush right after that. Additionally, some sensor

faucets are not sensitive enough to stop when people’s hands are moving away with the water

continuing flow, all these things mat lead to a waste of waste. To avoid that case, we

recommend to use manual dual-flush toilets and automatic faucets with high sensitivity.

5) Green Building Studio

Since we use Green Building Studio to analyze the data, but there are some limitations because

we can find some materials we need or the exact facility we need. Therefore, the results we got

are not that precise.

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