NREL Selects Haselden, RNL Selected as Design-Build Team for Zero-Energy Building

Facility will be a prototype for future U.S. office buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden has selected Haselden Construction of Centennial and Denver design firm RNL to design and build its new Research Support Facilities.

At approximately 220,000 sq ft, Research Support Facilities’ design team expects the building to earn a LEED-Platinum rating from the USGBC.

Rendering courtesy of RNL

The design for the RSF is intended to create a zero-energy building—one that produces as much energy as it uses. The building is also being designed to exceed the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-Platinum rating, the highest distinction given by the council for high-performance green buildings.

“We continually strive to raise the bar and bring exceptional value and performance in our buildings,” said Ed Haselden, CEO and president of Haselden Construction.

“Both Haselden and RNL consider it a great privilege to work with NREL on this prototype for future office buildings across the U.S.”

At approximately 220,000 sq ft, the building is currently budgeted at a cost of $64 million.

Design is under way and construction is estimated to be complete in summer 2010. The building will be jointly occupied by the Golden field office of the Department of Energy and NREL employees, currently housed in leased space in the nearby Denver West Office Park.

“The contract with NREL means our team collectively guarantees the performance of the facility. The LEED-Platinum and zero-energy building design will still allow for the RSF to be built using conventional techniques and products,” said Rich von Luhrte, president of RNL.

Achieving a zero-energy building requires a critical integration of energy reduction strategies to minimize energy generation. Energy-efficient features such as natural ventilation through operable windows, daylighting and radiant heating and cooling will be included in the building design.

Daylighting the office space and low-energy consumption are primary considerations and are being incorporated into the design and construction of the high-performance building. The cost of the innovative design and construction of RSF is expected to be in line with conventional processes because of an integrated-design approach that can be replicated by others, RNL officials said.