Saint Louis University

The Edward A. Doisy Research Center, a $67 million tower in the heart of St. Louis, is playing a key role in the rebirth of the city’s urban corridor, with modular laboratories, offices, and support spaces dedicated to Saint Louis University’s renowned research into the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases of the liver, heart, lung, and brain.

Consistent with its commitment to human health, the 206,000 sf Doisy Center incorporates an array of sustainable design features that preserve the well-being of occupants as well as the larger environment. Laboratory and office spaces lining the perimeter of the 10-story tower maximize views and natural lighting, with 90% of interior spaces enjoying views to the outdoors. Low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpet, and wood, as well as rigorous exhaust, maintain a level of air quality that exceeds ASHRAE standards. A state-of-the-art building automation system efficiently and reliably optimizes researchers’ comfort.

Numerous site-level measures enhance the Doisy Center’s sustainable nature. Removing existing buildings, streets, and parking lots from the site reduces stormwater runoff by more than 25 percent. Reflective roofing materials and an 8,000 sf green roof mitigate heat-island effects while wind-generated power is a clean, renewable energy source reducing overall energy consumption. The Doisy Center was awarded LEED Silver status in 2008.

• Redeveloped urban site protects greenfields and preserves habitat and natural resources
• Erosion and sedimentation control plan prevents topsoil loss and air and water pollution
• Proximity to light-rail station and campus and municipal bus lines reduces fossil-fuel combustion
• Alternative-fuel refueling station is provided for 3% of total parking capacity
• Removal of existing buildings, streets, and parking lots from the site significantly reduces stormwater runoff
• Bicycle storage, lockers, and showers encourage bicycle use
• Portion of parking spaces reserved for carpools and hybrid vehicles
• Reflective roofing materials and 8,000 sf green roof reduce heat-island effect
• Area of site devoted to open space is greater than area of building footprint
• 30% of impervious surfaces are shaded or high-reflectance

• Website and touchscreen kiosk educate the public about sustainable features
• Stormwater reduction exceeds 25%
• Wind-generated power reduces energy expense
• Project team includes three LEED-accredited professionals

• Air quality meets or exceeds ASHRAE standards
• No-smoking environment
• Carbon dioxide monitoring reduces ventilation energy expenditure
• Documented ventilation effectiveness
• Adhesives, paints, carpet, and wood are low-VOC or VOC-free
• Exhaust and drain standards achieve superior control of indoor chemicals and pollutants
• Building automation system ensures occupants’ thermal comfort
• Walls of windows flood interior with natural light, conserve lighting energy, and promote employee well-being
• 90% of interior spaces enjoy views to outdoors

• Recycling of steel, brick, and other materials removed from site during demolition
• Recycled building materials, including steel, concrete, floor finishes, and carpeting
• Materials from rapidly renewable sources, such as bamboo and cork
• FSC-certified wood
• Strict construction material management plan with separate dumpsters for recyclable construction waste (wood, paper, steel, cardboard, plastic)
• Designated storage area in building for recyclable materials

• CFC-free HVAC equipment prevents ozone depletion
• Energy savings measured by building management system and submetering with third party verification

• Center for Vaccine Development, including clinical service lab, sample prep lab, patient interview rooms, exam rooms, and waiting and support areas
• Seven modularly designed laboratory floors with offices, conference rooms, and laboratory support functions
• BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs
• Penthouse with conference room and two outdoor terraces
• Covered walkway connector to School of Medicine