ENERGY STAR Building Design Profile

As sole owners of its new headquarters building, the Chancey Design Partnership (CDP) decided early on that addressing energy efficiency and life cycle cost assessments was very important. For that reason, the firm set out to create an office that embodies the same principles implemented in their designs for clients. CDP used EPA's Target Finder tool to help address the design's energy efficiency and received a rating of 81 (out of 100) for estimated design energy use.

For the new office building, CDP created a well-defined envelope that helps improve energy efficiency and indoor environmental conditions. The building was painted white to help reduce the overall heat gain, and roof insulation was added to improve the efficiency of the building. A highly-efficient HVAC system was designed to not only provide energy savings, but allow for maximum flexibility and control by the user. The system utilizes low ozone depleting refrigerant. To reduce energy use, fluorescent lights will be installed in the main office areas, and occupancy sensors will be included to minimize energy waste.

Other design strategies include moving occupants toward the exterior walls to maximize views and natural light. Exterior lights were kept to a minimum to help reduce not only energy but light pollution. An electric elevator was also selected, instead of a typical hydraulic elevator, for its reduced operating power and because it requires no oils that could harm the environment.

Water-saving fixtures such as dual flush toilets and low flow faucets were added to help conserve water. Chilled filtered water will be offered throughout the building to avoid the use of bottled water in the building. Materials were chosen for their high level of recycled content. Low VOC items such as interior paints and carpet were specified to help improve the indoor environmental conditions.

As a design firm, CDP had more control over the design and construction process than a typical owner. CDP has been able to monitor the project's construction to ensure that the sustainable design strategies are implemented throughout each stage of the process. This has minimized cost and helped ensure that the end product is a building that meets the firm's goals for sustainability. CDP hopes this building will become the gateway to Ybor City and provide a positive impact for its employees, the community, and the world at large.

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