Pharmacia Building Q
Location
Skokie, IL
USA
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Certifications & Awards
- LEED-NC v.1.0 in 2002 achievement level Gold
Project Team
- Owner: Pharmacia Corporation
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Summary
Pharmacia Building Q is a Discovery chemistry laboratory focused on research in metabolism, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, genomics, and process development. The research is targeted toward the treatment of arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
**This building was originally imported from the U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Building Technologies Database (http://eere.buildinggreen.com/overview.cfm?projectid=186) on 2009-06-06. Please confirm that the import was successful, login, and remove this message. Help make the Green Building Brain better.**
Overview
- Location: Skokie, IL
- Building type(s): Laboratory
- New construction
- 176,000 sq. feet (16,400 sq. meters)
- Project scope: 4-story building
- Urban setting
- Completed September 2000
Rating: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-NC, v.1.0--Level: Gold
Pharmacia Building Q is a Discovery chemistry laboratory focused on research in metabolism, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, genomics, and process development. The research is targeted toward the treatment of arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
Building Q contains 52,000 square feet of BL-1 lab space. All laboratories are modular. Labs are grouped into suites of four with four suites per floor. Vertical supply and exhaust-service cores bookend each suite. A combined circulation and service corridor rings a central atrium and fronts the lab suites.
Additional support spaces include researcher offices, an NMR suite, an 80-seat auditorium, and conference and break areas.
Environmental Aspects
Building Q achieved a Gold LEED version 1.0 rating. Measures adopted included VAV fume hoods and building ventilation, heat recovery, premium efficiency motors, variable frequency drives, smart lab controls, daylighting and occupancy sensors, and commissioning. Laboratory lighting, fume-hood ventilation rates, laboratory air change rates, temperature, and humidity are controlled by occupancy sensors. In-hood flow sensors modulate fume hood exhaust. Sash position and exhaust air volumes are tracked and trended by the BAS. Energy modeling predicted a 38% energy savings; actual energy performance has exceeded the prediction.
Daylighting was employed extensively. The central atria skylights incorporate a passive-solar optical system using a combination of refractive and reflective fresnel lensfilms. Water use is expected to be less than half that of a comparable conventional building. Materials selections included LCA analysis with consideration given to volatile organic compound emissions, recyclability, recycled content, and place of manufacture. Materials included synthetic gypsum drywall and a nylon carpet with a closed-loop recycling process.
IAQ strategies included low-emission materials, permanent indoor-air monitoring, reentrainment studies, high efficiency filtration, commissioning, and a green housekeeping program.
The site was reclaimed through the deconstruction of an existing warehouse. 78% of the material was diverted from landfills and a full construction waste management plan was implemented for the new construction.
Owner & Occupancy
Owned and occupied by Pharmacia Corporation, Corporation, for-profit
- Typically occupied by 240 people, 55 hours per person per week
Building Q's capacity is 310 people.
Building Programs
| Indoor Spaces: | Laboratory (31%), Circulation (23%), Other (19%), Office (11%), Mechanical systems (9%), Electrical systems (4%), Conference (2%), Lobby/reception, Restrooms |
Keywords
Integrated team, Design charrette, Training, Green framework, Simulation, Green specifications, Commissioning, Performance measurement and verification, Operations and maintenance, Transportation benefits, Stormwater management, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Efficient irrigation, Drought-tolerant landscaping, Glazing, HVAC, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, Benign materials, Recycled materials, Local materials, C&D waste management, Occupant recycling, Connection to outdoors, Daylighting, Moisture control, Thermal comfort, Noise control, Low-emitting materials, Indoor air quality monitoring
Team & Process
Following completion of the programming phase, a one-day predesign charrette was hosted by Bill Browning of the Rocky Mountain Institute. Over 90 strategies were identified and captured in a matrix format. Participants of the charrette became the nucleus of the project "green team" and were assigned separate responsibilities to research and individual design strategies to shepherd. Some of the original ideas were later modified or deleted altogether (building-integrated photovoltaics and sulfur lighting, for example), but the majority became part of the building.
The owner assigned a staff member the role of "sustainability manager." The architect assigned a design team member to a similar position and the two acted together to coordinate the sustainable design effort.
LEED version 1.0 had just been released and the project team was granted inclusion in the pilot program. The rating system established the design goals.
The design team was expanded to include wind tunnel modelers to examine site reentrainment issues, a commissioning agent, energy and daylighting consultants, and acoustic and interior planting consultants.
The greatest design challenge proved to be the provision of meaningful daylighting to the core of the building. The deep floor-to-floor heights and extensive roof equipment necessitated by the laboratory mechanical systems forced the development of a daylighting strategy that collects and redirects daylight with a complementary system of refractive and reflective fresnel lensfilms.
Extensive energy modeling was also performed, as were detailed material assessments. A third-party commissioning agent assisted in the preparation of commissioning and measurement and verification plans. The construction manager participated in the selection of a demolition contractor to deconstruct an old warehouse building on the future site of the new laboratory. They also assisted in the development of material-tracking forms used by the material suppliers and subcontractors to record material characteristics including recycled content, VOC content, and point of manufacture.
Weekly coordination meetings were held (typically by phone) to track progress on a credit-by-credit basis.
The construction manager coordinated both the deconstruction of the aforementioned warehouse and the construction of the new laboratory. The construction manager also tracked all building material submittals for LEED compliance. While excellent deconstruction records were provided to track waste diversion rates for the warehouse, the construction waste diversion rate for the new construction was unverifiable due to the poor record keeping and eventual insolvency of the original waste management contractor midway through the construction process.
Pharmacia incorporated a green housekeeping program throughout its campus to replace the existing one. Cleaning agents are nontoxic; free of phosphates, ethers, alkalis, or distillates that negatively impact air quality; and biodegrade in less than a week.
The building management system continuously monitors and controls temperature and humidity. A permanent air-quality monitoring system tracks carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, total volatile organic compounds, and particulates. Smart Lab controls monitor and control laboratory lighting and ventilation systems through a series of occupancy sensors.
The commissioning agent developed a plan based on the GSA's publication Model Commissioning Plan & Guide Specifications, as required for LEED certification.
HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems were commissioned, as were the laboratory piping, fire protection, life safety, and all lab systems.
Operation and maintenance manuals were also written and reviewed with the facility staff.
The commissioning agent also developed a measurement and verification plan in accordance with the International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) Option A.
Pharmacia staff will complete regular measurements to analyze the building's energy conservation and systems performance via the BAS.
- DOE2.1E was used to perform energy modeling.
- Lightscape 3.0 was used in the daylighting analysis.
Hamster, a proprietary ray trace program developed by 3M, was used to model the optical characteristics of their lensfilm products. The lighting consultant the translated and imported binary data into Lightscape to show the results in 3-D.
3-D AutoCad created the DFX files which were imported into Lightscape.
Finance & Cost
- Procurement process: Design-bid-build
Cost data in U.S. dollars as of date of completion.
- Total project cost (land excluded): $78,000,000
Soft cost: $46 per sq foot ($500 per sq meter)
- professional fee: $29 per sq foot ($310 per sq meter)
- management fee: $17 per sq foot ($180 per sq meter)
Hard cost: $344 per sq foot ($3,700 per sq meter)
- site work: $8 per sq foot ($90 per sq meter)
- construction: $335 per sq foot ($3,610 per sq meter)
Most innovative design strategies were included only if they were expected to pay for themselves within three years. The heat-recovery system has an anticipated payback period of five years. This criterion ruled out, among other things, solar panels. "The payback was way out there," said Steve E. Schultz, sustainability and energy manager at Pharmacia, in an interview with the Chicago Sun Times.
Over 75% of the building materials were diverted from landfills, netting Pharmacia over $54,000 in savings from scrap revenues and avoided landfill fees.
Green housekeeping practices have no impact on maintenance cost.
Land Use & Community
Building Q is located within an existing pharmaceutical campus on a site reclaimed by deconstructing an unused warehouse building. The 65-year-old campus is surrounded by low-rise commercial and multi-family residential development. Light commuter rail and city bus routes are immediately adjacent to campus. Pharmacia also maintains a smaller corporate campus a few miles north of the main research campus. A private shuttle connects the two campuses.
Pharmacia encourages alternative transportation to and from Building Q by offering bicycle storage areas as well as lockers and showers.
Support for Appropriate Transportation
Provide showers and changing areas for bicycle and pedestrian commuters
- Provide storage area for bicycles
- Provide access to public transportation
Property Selection Opportunities
- Select already-developed sites for new development
Site Description
The site for the new lab was reclaimed by deconstructing an old warehouse and thereby avoiding any additional land acquisition. Extensive stormwater management controls were implemented in the form of two underground retention reservoirs totaling 500 lineal feet of 8'-0" diameter steel pipe to correct deficient stormwater runoff control due to previous build-outs on site.
The limited site size and urban nature of the building site precluded any significant planting. Native planting was employed where possible and plant selections were made that matched native climate rainfall. No irrigation system was required.
All toilet fixtures use infrared sensors. Low-flow showers and urinals were also specified. Flow restrictors were installed on all lavatory and laboratory cup sinks. Benchtop vacuum-pump aspirators were specified in all laboratories. In aggregate, the building's water use, as measured in maximum installed-flow gallons per minute, was reduced by 52%.
- Lot size: 2.40 acres
- Building footprint: 45,000 sq ft (4,180 sq meters)
Previously developed land, Preexisting structure(s)
Landscape Plantings
- Landscape with indigenous vegetation
Low-Water-Use Fixtures
- Use automatic faucet controls for lavatories
Managing Stormwater
- Use subsurface infiltration basins
Demand for Irrigation
- Select plants for drought tolerance
Energy
Since laboratories, as a rule, are very energy intensive, design for energy conservation is essential. At Pharmacia, VAV fumehoods with in-hood flow sensors monitor sash position, calculate the open area, and adjust airflow instantly. The controls not only save on operational costs, but also help to maintain the desired pressurization for the labs. A heat-recovery system nets an additional six percent savings in energy use.
Extensive computer modeling was performed to optimize daylighting performance. In the atria, a passive-solar optical system combining refractive and reflective 3M radial lenses and a reflective panel configuration delivers up to eight times as much daylight as a conventional clear glazed skylight with improved uniformity and directional coverage.
Overall, the facility will consume nearly 40% less energy than similar lab facilities, saving an estimated $800,000 per year in energy costs.
Materials & Resources
Every material was considered with regard to its impact on indoor air quality. Consideration was also given to each material's recycled content and recyclability. The design team also adopted the U.S. Green Building Council's definition of "local" material to address the transportation issue. While not specifically addressed in LEED version 1.0, the design team sought to address certification for interior woods. Using a simplified lifecycle assessment technique, the design team implemented a materials-evaluation questionnaire.
The steel frame is domestic and produced via the electric arc process;
The composite metal panels contain 72% post-consumer recycled content;
A significant amount of the wallboard is synthetic gypsum (a byproduct of local coal-burning utility plants);
The carpet tile is nylon 6 with a polyolefin (PVC-free) backing—it can be endlessly recycled into new carpet;
- The ceiling tiles have recycled content as high as 74%;
- High reflectance ACT was used in the all daylit office areas;
Steel ceiling grids contain 90% post-industrial recycled content;
- Ceramic tile contains recycled glass;
- Non-toxic wall-panel fabrics were used;
The wood veneer on interior doors, wall paneling, and casework is from certified "well-managed" forests;
Considerable effort was made to specify wood composite products (including door cores) that were urea-formaldehyde free;
- Door veneers are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council;
Door cores contain 100% post-consumer recycled content and are formaldehyde free;
- The doors utilize a low-VOC catalyzed-lacquer finish;
A significant amount of the materials in the building came from within the LEED-specified 300-mile radius.
All material purchases were tracked by the construction manager when buying out the building to assure recycled content, VOC levels, and manufacture origin.
Over 78% of the demolition debris produced in the deconstruction of an old warehouse was diverted from local landfills in reclaiming the site for Building Q (4% reused or salvaged, 74% recycled). An inventory was made of the building and its contents prior to demolition. Over 80 cubic yards of equipment was removed and stored at a regional warehouse. Another 240 cubic yards of process equipment was relocated for immediate reuse. The building was mechanically demolished using a backhoe and shear. Building materials were sorted on-site and transported to local recycling centers. Because the pharmaceutical campus was located in downtown Skokie, all grinding of the brick and concrete was done off-site. A cost savings of nearly $55,000 was realized, principally through avoided tipping fees.
Waste diversion for the new constriction was in the neighborhood of 60% (the insolvency of the waste management firm during the last months of new construction work precluded an accurate final number). Limited site access required that all construction waste be co-mingled and sorted off-site at regional recycling centers.
- High-Performance and Solar-Control Glazings
- NSF 140-2007e Platinum-Certfied Carpet Tiles
Recycled-Glass Ceramic Tiles
Protection of Global Ecosystem
Minimize ozone-depletion potential of refrigerants in cooling systems
Building Deconstruction
- Identify items to be salvaged from existing structure
- Recycle materials to be discarded from existing structure
Recyclable Materials
- Specify carpet from manufacturers who will recycle used carpet
Recycling by Occupants
Specify recycling receptacles that are accessible to the occupants
Post-Consumer Recycled Materials
- Specify carpet made with recycled-content face fiber
Materials and Wildlife Habitat
Use wood products from independently certified, well-managed forests for finish carpentry
Transportation of Materials
Prefer materials that are sourced and manufactured within the local area
Indoor Environment
In a chemistry laboratory, indoor air quality is a primary safety concern. All supply air is 100% once-through outside air. To conserve energy, supply air from the offices is used as part of the makeup air supplied to the labs. Because of the high air-change rate, the buildup of carbon dioxide and other pollutants is virtually nonexistent.
Permanent equipment integrated with the building-management system monitors carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compound, and particulate levels. The building's Smart Lab Control system continuously monitors the building's temperature and humidity settings and maintains prescribed environmental setpoints based on building occupancy.
A construction IAQ management plan was implemented during construction, and the building underwent rigorous commissioning. A green housekeeping program was also implemented upon completion to reduce potential chemical spiking from routine cleaning. Cleaning products are non-toxic, phosphate free, and biodegradable, and contain no ethers.
Daylighting and views were also primary features of the design.
Entry of Pollutants
Design entry to facilitate removal of dirt before entering building
Visual Comfort and The Building Envelope
- Use skylights and/or clerestories for daylighting
Visual Comfort and Interior Design
Design open floor plans to allow exterior daylight to penetrate to the interior
Install large interior windows to allow for the transmission of daylight
Locate floor openings under skylights to increase daylight penetration
Reduction of Indoor Pollutants
- Use only very low or no-VOC paints
Building Commissioning for IEQ
Commission the mechanical and electrical systems prior to occupancy
Use a comprehensive commissioning process to ensure that design intent is realized
Maintenance for IEQ
- Specify use of only nontoxic cleaning products
Facility Policies for IEQ
- Recommend a non-smoking policy for the building
Awards
Research and Development Magazine "Lab of the Year" in 2001; Category/title: Sustainability and Lab Planning
Ratings
U.S. Green Building Council LEED-NC, v.1.0 in 2002; achievement level: Gold
Planning Sustainable Sites, 5 of 11 possible points
- SS Credit 1, Landscaping for Erosion Control
- SS Credit 2.1, Reduced Heat Islands, Implement 1 or 2 Measures
- SS Credit 6, Efficient Building Location
SS Credit 7.1, Alternative Transit Facilities, Implement 1 or 2 Measures
SS Credit 7.2, Alternative Transit Facilities, Implement All 3 Measures
Improving Energy Efficiency, 6 of 11 possible points
- EA Prerequisite 1, Building Commissioning
- EA Prerequisite 2, Energy Efficiency
- EA Credit 1.1a, Energy Efficiency Level 1
- EA Credit 1.2a, Energy Efficiency, Level 2
- EA Credit 1.3a, Energy Efficiency, Level 3
- EA Credit 1.4a, Energy Efficiency, Level 4
- EA Credit 3, Waste Heat Recovery
- EA Bonus Credit 1, Measurement and Verification
Conserving Materials and Resources, 6 of 12 possible points
- MR Prerequisite 1, Elimination of CFCs
- MR Prerequisite 2, Storage & Collection of Recyclables
- MR Credit 3.1, Recycled Content, Level 1
- MR Credit 3.2, Recycled Content, Level 2
- MR Credit 4.1, Construction Waste Management, Level 1
- MR Credit 5, Local Materials
MR Credit 6.1, Elimination of CFCs & Halons, Mechanical Equipment
- MR Credit 7, Occupant Recycling
Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality, 7 of 7 possible points
- IEQ Prerequisite 1, Elimination and Control of Asbestos
- IEQ Prerequisite 2, Indoor Air Quality
- IEQ Prerequisite 3, Smoking Ban
- IEQ Prerequisite 4, Thermal Comfort
- IEQ Credit 1.1, IAQ Management Plan, Level 1
- IEQ Credit 1.2, IAQ Management Plan, Level 2
- IEQ Credit 2.1, Low VOC Materials, Comply with 1 or 2 Items
- IEQ Credit 2.2, Low VOC Materials, Comply with All 3 Items
- IEQ Credit 3, Permanent Air Monitoring
- IEQ Credit 4, Chemical Storage Areas
- IEQ Credit 5, Architectural Entryways
Safeguarding Water, 4 of 8 possible points
- WE Prerequisite 1, Water Conservation
- WE Prerequisite 2, Elimination of Lead
- WE Credit 1, Water-Conserving Fixtures
- WE Credit 3, Water-Conserving Cooling Towers
- WE Credit 4, Water-Efficient Landscaping
- WE Bonus Credit 2, Measurement and Verification
Improving the Design/Build Process, 1 of 1 possible points
- ID Bonus Credit 1, LEED® Accredited Professional
Lessons Learned
The primary goal of Building Q's design team was simply to design the most sustainable laboratory that the budget and schedule would allow. The design team was also anxious to test the application of the then newly released LEED version 1.0 Rating System to a lab building. By in large, most goals were met and the achievement of a LEED Gold rating exceeded original expectations.
Two minor objectives were not met. First, the insolvency of the waste-management firm during the new-construction phase and subsequent loss of complete waste-diversion records prevented the design team from validating the construction waste reduction efforts (records were maintained, however, for the deconstruction work). Second, the construction industry did not have the ability in 1999 to provide an FSC-certified flush wood door that also met the zero-urea-formaldehyde threshold. Ultimately the design team was able to eliminate the formaldehyde but unable to provide FSC certification for more than the door veneers.
Attempts to integrate sulfur lighting technology into the building failed with Fusion Lighting's withdrawl of the only available lamp from the market. Efforts to integrate a PV demonstration project into the building design also failed due to the unfavorable economics.
In all other respects the project excelled because of the dedication and commitment of the owner, architect, engineers, and contractor.
Learn More
It is possible to visit this project and tours are available. Individual tours are available during business hours Monday through Friday, by appointment only.
The building is located at 4901 Searle Parkway in Skokie, Illinois.
This is a controlled-access facility. Security clearance will be required of visitors.
Jeff Kaushansky (Tour Contact) Pharmacia 4901 Searle Parkway Skokie, IL 60077 847-982-7581Others
Technical Report: Pharmacia Building Q, Skokie, Illinois
Publication: Laboratories for the 21st Century: Case Studies (December, 2002)
This thorough description of Building Q includes details on its layout and a focus on its energy design and performance. (PDF 326 KB) Download Acrobat Reader
