Museum of Comparative Zoology research spaces receive LEED platinum certification

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ 2013 renovation of one of the Museum of Comparative Zoology’s research spaces recently received LEED platinum certification – the highest rating possible – from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“These new sustainable and energy-efficient facilities will not only allow our faculty, students, and staff to conduct better research, but will provide more favorable conditions for the preservation of important specimens, ” said Jeff Cushman, senior capital project manager for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The purpose of the approximately 50,000-square-foot build-out was to create state-of-the-art collection laboratories and workspace facilities, and to relocate approximately six million zoological specimens that include all or parts of eight different collections, including Invertebrate Paleontology, Ornithology, Vertebrate Paleontology, Malacology, Mammalogy, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, and Marine Invertebrates, to compact storage in climate-controlled space.

The new energy efficiency measures include an innovative integrated laboratory pressurization control system and occupancy sensors that reduce energy by controlling lighting and automating temperature settings. The project team also targeted electricity use by opting for healthier, super-efficient LED lighting in the research space. The space is expected to use 31 percent less lighting power.

Water conservation measures include efficient plumbing fixtures, which will reduce water use 32 percent below the maximum required building codes.

The facilities are located in the Northwest Science building, making this the ninth LEED certification for the building. It is also the building’s fourth platinum certification.