Project Details
The first phase entailed core and shell renovation, an upgraded energy-efficient building envelope, construction of a new stone and glass entrance building, and new MEP systems. The sustainable design of the building included geothermal wells, ice storage for peak demand time cooling, a 30 percent decrease in energy usage versus current ASHRAE Standards, and a multitude of new green products for use and demonstration.
- Adaptive reuse
- 201,000 square feet
- Technology and Mechanical engineering labs (University of Pittsburgh)
- 23 months of construction
- LEED® Platinum
- Design-build
Mascaro Advantage
The big obstacle for this project was the delivery of an external electrical switch, which provided the new electrical service in the building. It took a concerted effort between electrical subcontractor, EdgewoodSargent, and the electric company, Duquesne Light, to ensure that all wire was pulled for a seamless switchover from existing power to new power. All major pieces of equipment, including pumps, boilers, chillers, elevators, tenant spaces, etc., are metered for electrical power consumption and heating and cooling consumption. Information is gathered on 5,000 data points every two minutes. A measurement and verification plan is in place to track the building’s real-time energy usage for public display on building dashboards and green kiosks.