Ecology & Environment, Inc

Ecology and Environment, an internationally recognized consulting firm and global leader in environmental analysis, planning, and engineering, has embraced and practiced the principles of sustainable design, development and operations since its founding in 1970. Its 100-acre campus expresses this corporate culture through facilities designed to minimize disturbance of the natural environment and maximize resource conservation.

Built in 1988, the 65,500 sf World Headquarters (WH) in 2008 achieved LEED Platinum status – only the tenth such building in the United States and the oldest existing building in the world to be awarded this designation. Organized around a two-story green spine, the building is capped with a 300-foot motorized skylight that admits natural daylight deep into the building interior. Working in tandem with operable windows, the skylight also enables the flow of natural ventilation throughout the building, eliminating dependence on HVAC systems in temperate months and reducing energy consumption.

On a scale befitting the rural setting, the design of the 35,000 sf Analytical Service Center (ASC) disguises the nature of the highly sophisticated functions within. Intended as a showcase for client services, the ASC is an open, light-filled environment that dispels the common image of a laboratory as cold and sterile.

A continuous linear skylight unifies the wet and dry labs with an administrative core. Service columns conceal the vertical distribution of gases, water, and HVAC systems; overhead beams featuring planters and indirect lighting conceal horizontal distribution. HVAC systems utilize DDC controls and systems for variable air volume supply and exhaust and energy recovery, reducing energy consumption 40% below that of a conventional laboratory.

• Narrow footprint of ASC minimizes site disturbance and preserves natural features, including mature trees and pond

*ASC lab exhausts are safely dispersed by prevailing winds, protecting surrounding residential community and preventing laboratory cross-contamination

• Campus front lawn is a maintenance-free cloverfield; remaining site left in natural state
• Existing wetland pond at ASC is enhanced by carefully placed indigenous plantings
• Nature trails are provided throughout the campus
• Bicycle storage and on-site shower facilities encourage alternative transportation

• Interior and exterior plantings are managed by an in-house naturalist

• No-smoking policy
• 95% of occupied spaces have access to natural daylight and views
• Operable windows in ASC’s occupied areas increase ventilation effectiveness and control
• Low-VOC and no-VOC paints, carpets, composites, adhesives, and sealants used throughout
• WHQ’s natural ventilation strategy minimizes reliance on HVAC systems
• Skylights introduce daylighting in ASC labs and WHQ corridors
• Benchtop exhaust in ASC captures fumes at contamination point
• Upblast high-velocity laboratory exhaust fan in ASC prevents re-entrainment of exhaust air into intakes

• Materials contain significant recycled content
• Wool carpet, a rapidly renewable and recyclable resource, is used throughout WHQ
• Insulation products are environmentally sustainable
• Electrical and plumbing feeders are PVC-free

• Building systems commissioning verifies implementation and performance
• Low-E, tinted insulated glass reduces energy costs
• Deep overhangs shade windows on southern facade of ASC, minimizing heat gain
• Highly effective design of ASC fume hood, ventilation, heat transfer, and control system optimizes energy performance
• Perimeter lighting sensors turn off artificial lighting when daylighting is sufficient
• Occupancy sensors reduce lighting energy consumption in enclosed spaces
• Variable volume laboratory exhaust system reduces conditioning of outside air
• DDC controls allow occupied/unoccupied scheduling of individual laboratories

• Elimination of permanent site irrigation system reduces potable water usage

ASC

• Wet and dry lab spaces
• Administrative offices
• Lobby/Entry
• Storage

WHQ

• Computer services
• Accounting/Finance
• Technical publications/Library
• Technical personnel support