Overview
Energy-saving measures implemented in Santa Monica’s LEED Silver Public Safety Building not only meet California’s Title 24 Energy Code – they also bring the building’s annual energy consumption far below annual consumption models. The Public Safety Building houses headquarters for the police and fire departments as well as jail facilities, a state-of-the-art emergency operations center, and a coordinated dispatch center consolidating police and fire functions. The structure delineates a corner of Santa Monica’s newly developing Civic Center District.
Santa Monica’s year-round moderate climate makes a natural-ventilation strategy viable for the entire building. Air is distributed through a raised access flooring system, with individually controlled outlets at each workstation. Individualized climate control is only one of many ways that the building’s design emphasizes occupant health and comfort. A large skylight and three-story atrium bring natural light into the center of the building. Computer-controlled lighting systems dim with the introduction of daylight or shut off when workspaces become vacant.
Gallery
“A significant achievement in response to site context and program. Public spaces treated with abundant daylight lend a community aspect to police services. The complex multifunction program is clearly organized, and the massing and architectural execution display a timeless building concept, an appropriate completion to the civic center.”AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice, Justice Facility Review - Citation for Excellence
Sustainable Sites
- Facility is served by commuter bus lines
- Bicycle storage and on-site shower facilities encourage public transportation
- Water runoff and site disturbance are reduced by placing parking underground and limiting size to minimum zoning requirements
- Highly reflective roofing materials and light-colored materials on other surfaces reduce heat-island effect
Innovation and Design
- Raised access flooring system distributes natural ventilation
Indoor Environmental Quality
- Carbon dioxide monitoring system provides feedback on ventilation performance
- Indoor air quality management plan, no-smoking policy, and low-VOC paints, carpets, adhesives, and sealants preserve indoor air quality
- Automated temperature/humidity monitoring system optimizes building conditions
Materials and Resources
- Dedicated storage and collection area provided for recyclable materials
- 75% of collected construction waste was recycled or reused
- 25% of building materials contain significant recycled content
- 20% of building materials are manufactured regionally
- 50% of all wood-based materials were Forest Stewardship Council certified
Energy and Atmosphere
- Building systems commissioning verifies implementation and performance
- System performance optimization results in energy cost reduction of 40% more than prerequisite standard
- Refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment is free of HCFCs and halons
- Two-year green-power contract proposed with renewable-energy company
- Sunshades at south and west windows reduce interior heat gain
- Naturally lit building interior reduces dependence on artificial lighting
Water Efficiency
- Elimination of permanent site irrigation system reduces potable water usage
- Hardy and/or native vegetation minimizes irrigation requirements
- 30% improvement in efficiency of potable water usage reduces impact on municipal supply and reduces sewage conveyance by 50%
Key Program Components
- Police headquarters/detention facility
- Fire department headquarters
- Emergency operations center with 911 communications system
- Coordinated dispatch center for police and fire
- Underground parking for 100 official vehicles