The University of Arizona - Planning, Design and Construction

What we are Doing Relative to the Built Environment

Sustainable Sites

Incorporate erosion and sedimentation controls
Efficient use of land resources - less sprawl, higher density/massing, more pedestrian traffic
Accommodate alternative transportation - transit focused, bicycle parking, public transportation access
Multi-use developments pooling amenities and resources - self contained, less travel
Create highly usable open spaces - reduced needs for internal space
Open spaces developed to reduce heat island effect, bicycle/pedestrian friendly
Protect/retain, maintain, and salvage site vegetation/trees
Storm water retention & harvesting for irrigation, recharge & downstream flood mitigation
Permeable ground surface to reduce run off and increase filtered ground water recharge
Reflective roof surfaces to reduce building heat load and reduce heat island effect
Green roofs - reduce heat island effect and storm water run-off, filters CO2 out of the air, creates usable open space
Careful lighting selection and design to reduce light pollution and maintain local Dark Sky compliance

Water Efficiency

Low water use/drought tolerant landscape designs and plant selections
Using reclaimed water for necessary irrigation
Highly efficient irrigation system controls/rain monitors/drip vs flood, some use of grey water
Rainwater harvesting through use of micro basins, detention/retention, cisterns, etc
Condensate reuse for irrigation
Low flow/water use plumbing fixtures, faucets
Waterless urinals

Energy and Atmosphere

Building Commissioning - systematic process undertaken during construction to optimize and ensure maximum performance from the building and its systems
Central plant generation of steam and chilled water for maximum efficiency
Connection of new buildings into the University's Central Plant utility systems
Building design and orientation - consideration for shading and efficient envelope
Design criteria utilized to select high performance HVAC systems that help increase the efficiency of the University's central cooling and heating plants
Glazing, wall and roof systems selected for maximum longevity
Use of high-performance fume hoods in research buildings to maximize occupant safety while efficiently utilizing the building conditioned air
13.8 kW electrical distribution system to maximize efficiency
High efficiency harmonic cancelling dry-type electrical transformers
Lighting level design criteria specified - to reflect industry standard energy codes
High performance light fixtures
Occupancy sensitive lighting controls
Premium efficiency electric motors
Variable Frequency Drives used to control HVAC system electric motors
High performance Direct Digital Controls (DDC) used to control building systems
Use of solar energy - passive solar design, photovoltaic & solar water heating
Clean burning natural gas fueled emergency generators
Solar Energy and Photovoltaics - The University has a number of solar installations and continues to pursue this and other important alternative and renewable energy sources. Judicious use of passive solar energy has been employed in the careful design of buildings and fenestration systems, for the solar heating of water, and for generating electricity from photovoltaic panels and arrays. The use of photovoltaics continues to be a high priority for the University as illustrated by our demonstration projects which help to further the technology, understanding and viability of such alternative systems

Materials and Resources

Centralized building services - trash, recycling, maintenance, custodial, loading/unloading
Salvage and reuse of materials and equipment
Use of steel (recycled content) and concrete with fly ash (recycled use)
Adaptation of existing facilities - reuse
Use of local and materials and work force
Construction materials and waste recycled
Use of recycled-content and rapidly renewable materials

Indoor Environmental Quality

HVAC systems designed to meet/surpass national referenced ASHRAE ventilation standards
Strategically locate building fresh air intakes to avoid potential contamination sources
Prohibit smoking in buildings
Carbon Dioxide monitoring to control fresh air ventilation performance
Implement Indoor Air Quality Management plan during construction and pre-occupancy
Materials selected for their resistance to mold, e.g. water resistant drywall
Materials selected with no or low VOC's, e.g. paints, carpeting, wood composites, sealants
High-performance fume hoods used in research buildings to maximize occupant safety while efficiently utilizing the building conditioned air
High performance Energy Management Control Systems
Occupancy controlled temperature and lighting
Use of daylight via efficient glazing design, skylights and careful orientation

Innovation and Design Process

LEED accredited professionals on staff
Building air handling units fitted with economizers to efficiently utilize the seasonal outdoor air heating and cooling energy
Solar water heating and inventive passive solar design
Building self shading features
University Central Plants hydraulically interconnected to efficiently and reliably produce building heating/cooling
High utilization of outdoor spaces necessitating less indoor built environment due to: Building relief air used to temper outdoor spaces; careful placement of landscape and shading devices; incorporation of important amenities and resources; careful placement and location of outdoor spaces for connectivity to pedestrian corridors, courtyards, and activity nodes

View Highlighted Projects