CIA Goes Green, Or So They Tell Us
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.31.08
The Central Intelligence Agency's new facilities in northern Virginia are going LEED, with a 22,000 square foot green roof, 40% savings in water by using low-flush toilets and waterless urinals, 21% savings in energy use by using occupancy sensors and energy efficient equipment, while improving air quality with 60% more fresh air.
The first office building, which opened its doors in 2007, earned LEED Silver certification, while the visitor center and central plant each earned LEED Gold certification. Details on what they did below the fold.
This post will self-destruct in sixty seconds. ::CIA via ::Computer World
Sustainable Site Development
* Comprehensive mass transportation program
* Preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles and carpools
* Bike racks
* Public transportation to site
* Enhanced stormwater management
o Quality and quantity control
* Vegetated roof
o 22,000 square foot vegetated roof
Water Savings
* Over 40% potable water savings
o Low-flow water closets
o Water efficient faucets and showerheads
o Waterless urinals
o Native landscaping at central plant
Energy Efficiency
* Over 21% energy savings
o Occupancy sensors
o Daylight and tasklights
o Energy efficient appliances and equipment
* Building commissioning
* 100% renewable energy certificates for visitor center
Indoor Environmental Quality
* 60% more fresh air supply
* Carbon dioxide monitors to provide fresh air when necessary
* Individual lighting controls and extensive outdoor views for occupants
* Low-emitting materials: paints, carpet, systems furniture, sealants, wood
* Green housekeeping program
* Indoor air quality
o During construction management
o Before occupancy testing
Materials Selection
* Over 50% construction waste diversion from landfill
* Over 20% recycled content in building materials
* Extensive use of building materials from regional sources
* Recycling for building
I'm all for saving water, but a "waterless urinal" does not sound like a pleasant peeing experience.
I wonder what a totally green roof would do for visibility from the air or orbit? The area is surrounded by trees, I imagine a green roof would make the whole complex mostly invisible from orbit, and very difficult to see from the air, especially at night.
A very good, basic list of things that should be included in any retrofit or new project.
The 21% energy savings is not particularly impressive. They ought to be able to achieve 25-30% without much difficulty.
There should be able to be substantial reductions in electricity needed for lighting.
If they use air-to-air heat exchangers they could reuse much of the heat from space conditioning that would otherwise be wasted. That heat could be used in air conditioning, to preheat water for process or washing needs, or stored in a reservoir for night time or cold weather heating needs.
In general, the complex is a suburban office park. In the middle of a wooded area. I suppose they should get some credit for rehabbing and conserving the embodied energy. Oh, wait, you say 'new'. But it looks a great deal like the existing complex...
That's quite a bank of heat exchangers in the foreground! - dumping expensive to obtain heat into the atmosphere.
Doesn't look like too many skylights on the main roof.
Certainly can't see any solar collectors. The main roof looks ideal for photovoltaic panels and hot water heaters. But I suppose that's too granola for this year...
We have the new waterless urinals in my building and they work surprisingly well.
get used to waterless urnials. They make complete sense, and the days of using water to flush pee(mostly water) were wasteful and are numbered.
jon That could be cooling for a data center.
What he said!
This thread isn't big enough for 2 Jons. Especially when discussing the splendors of waterless urinals...
Spike - what does the water do for you in a urinal? I don't even flush when I use them...
"Doesn't look like too many skylights on the main roof."
This is the CIA headquarters...
don't look up.
I'd hate to add to focus on the urinal, but I have to agree with spike, wouldn't all your urine splash all over you?!
do waterless urinal stink? or is better than those with one?
Waterless urinals work with a jelly like doughnut that contains the smell. If you've never seen a waterless urinal, you are either a lady or have never walked into bathrooms at airports and most buildings on the west coast.