Todd Jersey Architecture is designing the headquarters for Lundberg Family Farms, a company that is celebrating over 70 years of environmental stewardship. Organic to the desires and needs of the Client as well as the mission of Todd Jersey Architecture, this project will use the highest level of green features. One of the simplest and yet greenest features of this project is the use of recycled rice straw from the Lundberg rice fields to make straw bales for insulation. This feature results in minimal expenditure of energy to produce and install the product, while use of the product reduces heating and cooling costs. The additional numerous and beneficial green features warrant listing so here they are:
- Large open span administrative core designed to accommodate infinite changes in office configuration. Keeping the space flexible allows for more options in future uses by pre-empting the need to tear out walls and spend money on remodeling the building.
- Geoexhcange heating system which uses the latent heat of the earth to heat the building. According to www.geoexhange.org, “owners enjoy lower utility bills (25% to 70% lower than with conventional systems), lower maintenance, and higher levels of comfort, year-round. They also have the peace of mind of knowing they're being environmentally responsible. Since a GeoExchange system burns no fossil fuel on-site to produce heat, it generates far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional furnace, and completely eliminates a potential source of poisonous carbon monoxide within the home or building.”
- Generation of 100% of its energy from a solar electrical system. By enabling the Lundberg’s to generate their own electricity through the use of photovoltaic panels, they can fix their energy rates which otherwise in the future will certainly increase.
- 100% natural daylight in all spaces and ultra-high efficiency lighting systems reduce lighting costs as well as cooling costs since lights produce heat.
- Passive solar heating reduces the amount of heat the Lundberg’s would need from a "mechanical system", and therefore, saves money on annual heating costs. It also allows for a smaller mechanical system and is more comfortable heating from a user-perspective than point source heating such as vents.
- Passive summertime cooling reduces reliance on a mechanical cooling system, creates an overall more comfortable environment and saves money overall.
- Ultra-efficient radiant floor heating provides more comfortable heating since it is even and fluctuates less in temperature due to the large thermal mass.
- Ultra-efficient chilled beam cooling system that combine radiant cooling systems with conventional overhead ventilation to reduce energy usage, improve comfort levels, and reduce the architectural impact of ductwork and other mechanical systems.
- Low water irrigation systems, water efficient fixtures and on-site storm water retention recharge groundwater and create wetland habitat for migratory birds and native amphibians. Grey-water for summer irrigation and wetlands. Native vegetation will require less watering. Drip systems deliver water to where it’s needed, not all over the surrounding area where it would evaporate. Efficient fixtures reduce the amount of water used and that has to be treated. And the environmental measures improve the environment for native wildlife.
- Use of 100% recyclable construction systems and materials, and all construction waste is recycled. All waste can be reused, saving money on disposal costs and reducing the environmental impact.
- Smart glass systems allow users to control light and heat passing through the glass as well as controls privacy levels. The use of smart glass can save costs for heating, air-conditioning and cooling and avoids the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds and screens.
- Zero VOC paints, finishes, and glues benefit employees and building users by creating a healthier work environment.
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