The Klaus Advanced Computing Building

Southface conducted a charrette focused on sustainable design principles with Georgia Tech and its design team in order to set environmental goals and evaluate the optimum strategies to achieve those goals. Southface also served as Georgia Tech’s LEED Administrator on the project, and facilitated the LEED certification process.

 

Environmental Strategies Implemented

Site:

• 60% of the building site was restored using native and adapted vegetation.

• Stormwater runoff was reduced through pervious surfaces, and stormwater is now treated onsite.

• 100% of the building’s parking is underground tomaintain open space and reduce the heat island effect.

• The building’s reflective roof reduces the heat island effect and saves energy.

• Bicycle storage, showers and preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles encourage the use of alternative transportation.

Water Efficiency:

• The building is able to collect both its rainwater and its HVAC condensate in two underground cisterns that hold 174,000 gallons of water, supplying 100% of the water needed for site irrigation.

• Waterless urinals and low flow faucets provided indoor water savings of 31%.

Energy Efficiency:

• Energy savings of 39% were determined in the building’s energy model.

• The building has undergone extensive commissioning.

• Energy systems are monitored on a continuous basis.

Materials:

• 75% of construction waste was recycled.

• 62% of building materials were regionally manufactured.

• 20% of building materials included recycled content.

Indoor Environmental Quality:

• Low-emitting finish materials keep indoor air contaminants to a minimum.

• Air testing after construction confirmed excellent indoor air quality.

• Extensive use of daylighting within the building reduces energy use and enhances the comfort of occupants.

• Green cleaning reduces the exposure of maintenance staff and building occupants to harmful chemicals.

Results

Leading by example, Georgia Tech has made sustainability a major component of its Campus Master Plan and its Landscape Master Plan. While most universities have a Campus Master Plan, very few have a Landscape Master Plan, and it is this holistic approach to addressing both the building and its ecological and human landscape that has guided the planning, design and construction of all Georgia Tech capital projects, including the Klaus Building, according to Howard S. Wertheimer, AIA, LEED AP, Director, Capital Planning & Space Management at Georgia Tech.
The new building, named for Christopher W. Klaus, one of the nation’s youngest philanthropists and a Georgia Tech alumnus who donated $15 million for the construction of a new advanced computing facility. Klaus’s donation is one of the largest gifts in university history and is the largest gift from anyone of Klaus’ generation.