Designed to conserve

Binghamton University – Engineering and Science Building

Binghamton University started out in the 1940s and 50s as a small liberal arts college. Now, it counts itself as one of four doctorate-granting universities in the New York state system. BU has come this far by cultivating a culture and a reputation for excellence.

So their new Engineering and Science Building had to be excellent: designed as a beacon of efficient energy laid over green solutions. For example, in a typical laboratory, exhaust air can’t be circulated back through the space—safety reasons. In this design, however, exhaust air is sent through the total energy wheels, which then rotate into the outside air stream. The wheels precool and dry out the air in the cooling season and preheat and humidify the air during the winter.

The new facility has a large lab, but there are also several smaller rooms and labs nearby. Places where researchers can carry out specialized work or use unique equipment. A large computational work space brings those people back together for collaboration.

And other bits that pulled together energy savings? Natural day lighting, radiant heating and cooling systems, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and a green roof.