ASHRAE prepares new net-zero HQ
September 27, 2019
By CCE
Photo courtesy ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is undertaking a US$15.7-million renovation of the building that will become its new global headquarters (HQ), with the goal of achieving—and showcasing—net-zero energy efficiency.
The 67,000-square-foot, 1970s-era commercial office building (pictured) is located at 180 Technology Parkway in Peachtree Corners, Ga., approximately 10 miles north of the current HQ in Atlanta.
To upgrade the building to net-zero operations (see video below), which may be substantiated through certification programs, ASHRAE is hoping to reduce its energy consumption to below 22 kbtu/sf/year, with a limit of maximum daytime plug load to 0.5 W/sf. The organization seeks to exceed its own standards where possible, including: 90.1-2016, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-rise Residential Buildings; 62.1-2016, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality; and 55-2017, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy.
McLennan Design (MD), Houser Walker Architecture and Integral Group are tasked with the renovations. MD’s founder and CEO, Jason F. McLennan, is leading the project’s architectural design, while Gregory Walker, a partner in Houser Walker, is leading interior design and serving as architect of record.
“We’re eager to show great design can be accomplished for typical market pricing,” says Walker. “This project will help drive ‘deep green’ renovations for the next decade.”
ASHRAE expects to relocate in October 2020. Its current HQ will then become part of a medical campus for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
