Capitol Area East End Project Nears Completion

While the Capitol Area East End Complex, budgeted at $392 million, is the largest state government project ever undertaken by the State of California, it also represents the “greenest” ever built by the state.

Situated on the east end of the Capitol Mall, the project will consolidate 42 offices presently scattered throughout the area into a single, compact development totaling 1.5 million square feet of office space. As it nears completion, it is inspiring to see the extent to which sustainable design strategies and energy efficiency measures will grace the facility, setting a benchmark for state and municipal buildings for years to come.

Numerous energy efficiency and conservation measures were designed and built into the project, resulting in performance expected to exceed state efficiency standards by over 30%. If the buildings perform as expected, savings from the development’s reduced energy consumption will total roughly $400,000 annually.

In order to reduce cooling energy loads, a “cool roof” was used to reflect solar heat energy away from the structure, reducing the amount of heat absorbed through the roof into air-conditioned space. This energy-efficient roof can reduce the buildings’ cooling costs up to 40%.

When outside air becomes too hot to use for air-conditioning the complex, the air intake is automatically closed. Preconditioned air from inside the building is then cooled and recirculated, consuming considerably less energy than cooling outside air, where ambient temperatures can easily reach 100F during summer months.

Even the water coolers were designed to reduce energy consumption. Rather than locating separate chillers at each drinking fountain, a central unit was placed on the roof to provide cold water for the entire building.

Natural daylight infiltration was maximized to insure a comfortable work environment, as well as to reduce overhead and task lighting. High performance window glazing was included to allow beneficial daylight to illuminate the workstations while reducing heat transmission. Sensors dim interior lights when sunlight is adequate and raise them at night or when it is cloudy. Energy efficient ballasts and fluorescent lighting, as well as LED exit signs, were also used to maximize efficiency.

Solar PV panels were built-in to supplement the efficiency and conservation measures with clean, renewable energy generation. Over 5,000 PV panels were incorporated on the rooftops to both generate energy and cover exposed mechanical units from public view. The array will be capable of generating 160 kW of renewable energy on-site.

The parking structure will offer preferred parking for carpools and alternative fuel vehicles, as well as electric vehicle charging stations, to promote clean air. Bike lockers and showers will be provided to encourage employees to abandon their vehicles altogether and ride to work.

While the project’s accomplishments regarding energy efficiency and conservation are astounding, the State did not stop there. The concept of sustainability was adhered to throughout the complex. 97% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. “Green building” materials were used whenever possible. All construction materials have the highest percentage of recycled material available. Modular workstations include recycled content and materials that will not absorb odors.

To promote clean air, all materials known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were banned. Separate ventilation systems were used for restrooms, copier rooms and kitchens to prevent toxic and unpleasant odors from entering the workplace. Electronic sensors turn on the parking structure’s ventilation system when carbon monoxide levels reach a certain level. Before the buildings are occupied, the ventilation system will run for 30 days with the windows open to flush out unwanted airborne particles from the building.

By incorporating such a vast array of green building technologies into a single project, the State of California has created the yardstick by which future construction will be measured. The East End Complex will long stand as an example of what can be accomplished when building green is integrated throughout each stage of planning, design and building.

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