Oberlin College Lewis Center
Location
Oberlin, OH
USA
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Certifications & Awards
- Green Building Challenge in 2000
- Zero Energy Building
Project Team
- Owner: Oberlin College
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Summary
The Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies is located on the Oberlin College campus in Oberlin, Ohio. It houses classroom and office space, an auditorium, a small environmental studies library and resource center, a wastewater-purification system in a greenhouse, and an open atrium.
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Building Technologies Database (http://eere.buildinggreen.com/overview.cfm?projectid=18) 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: Oberlin, OH
- Building type(s): Campus, Higher education, Library, Assembly
- New construction
- 13,600 sq. feet (1,260 sq. meters)
- Project scope: 2-story building
- Other setting
Completed January 2000
Although the building opened for classes in 2000, modifications continue as the energy performance of the building is studied and is better understood. The building is part of an academic program and consequently has experimental aspects to it that are being evaluated. In addition, improvements will be made as new technologies become available.Rating: Green Building Challenge
Rating: Zero Energy Building
The Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies is located on the Oberlin College campus in Oberlin, Ohio. It houses classroom and office space, an auditorium, a small environmental studies library and resource center, a wastewater-purification system in a greenhouse, and an open atrium.
Environmental Aspects
Upon initiation of the project, Professor David Orr asked three questions that continue to serve as a guiding philosophy for the Lewis Center:
Is it possible—even in Ohio—to power buildings by current sunlight?
Is it possible to create buildings that purify their own wastewater?
Is it possible to build without compromising human or environmental health somewhere else or at some later time?
The hope remains that the building not only serve as a space in which to hold classes, but also, according to Orr, "help to redefine the relationship between humankind and the environment."
Owner & Occupancy
- Owned and occupied by Oberlin College, Corporation, nonprofit
- Typically occupied by 80 people, 60 hours per person per week
A variety of courses both within and outside the Environmental Studies program are taught in the Center's classrooms and auditorium. The building is also used regularly for guest lectures, presentations, banquets, student organization meetings, Quaker meetings, informal gatherings, and study space. Occupancy estimate assumes three classrooms at 25 students for 5 hours per weekday plus use of offices, resource center, auditorium and atrium. Summer use is usually restricted to 10 people for 40 hours per week.
Building Programs
| Indoor Spaces: | Public assembly (65%), Lobby/reception (30%), Classroom (30%), Other (10%), Office (10%), Restrooms (5%), Mechanical systems (5%), Electrical systems |
| Outdoor Spaces: | Interpretive landscape (80%), Restored landscape (50%), Garden—productive (35%), Wildlife habitat (30%), Patio/hardscape (20%), Garden—decorative (15%), Parking (10%), Drives/roadway (5%), Pedestrian/non-motorized vehicle path (5%) |
Keywords
Integrated team, Design charrette, Training, Green framework, Simulation, Green specifications, Contracting, Commissioning, Performance measurement and verification, Operations and maintenance, Wildlife habitat, Wetlands, Indigenous vegetation, Stormwater management, Water harvesting, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Graywater, Wastewater treatment, Massing and orientation, Insulation levels, Glazing, Passive solar, HVAC, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, Adaptable design, Durability, Benign materials, Salvaged materials, Recycled materials, Local materials, Certified wood, C&D waste management, Occupant recycling, Connection to outdoors, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Ventilation effectiveness, Thermal comfort, Low-emitting materials, Indoor air quality monitoring
Team & Process
The design process began in 1992 when Professor Orr taught a year-long "Ecological Design" course, focusing on plans for a new environmental studies center. The resulting proposal evolved through 1998, with the assistance of students, faculty, and community members: over a dozen public charrettes were held to solicit opinions and ideas. As plans for the building progressed, students researched specific products and systems for consideration by the design team.
The design team was selected for their expertise in education, design, renewable energy, and current building technologies. Members of the team worked closely to create integrated systems.
The construction period began in January of 1999 and occupants moved into the building in January of 2000. The construction fill was used as an earth berm to insulate the north facing first floor wall of the facility.
Students and community volunteers have installed and maintained the landscape under the direction of Professor David Benzing of the Department of Biology. The Living Machine wastewater treatment facility is also maintained primarily by students. An extensive data monitoring system allows the center's staff and Oberlin college maintenance staff to track the performance of various systems in the building thereby allowing them to spot and diagnose problems.
Detailed monitoring of building systems has occurred since the building opened for classes in January 2000. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been working closely with the Oberlin faculty, staff, and students to study and improve the Lewis Center's energy performance.
Following a year of monitoring, these changes have improved energy performance significantly:
Programming the atrium and auditorium heat pumps to turn on only when events such as lectures or dinners are scheduled for those spaces;
Using minimal air conditioning during the summer months, when building use is low; and
Installation of a water-to-water heat pump to replace a less efficient electric boiler. The electric boiler was consuming 39% of all heating energy used by the Lewis Center, so the shift to heat pumps is expected to significantly reduce the building's annual energy use.
The following changes have been proposed:
Replacing large tempered-water heat pumps with ground-loop heat pumps that can handle lower water temperatures;
Replacing the ventilation fan in the Living Machine with a more efficient variable-speed fan;
When ambient air temperature is comfortable, using the heat pumps that provide fresh air without using the heat pump compressor.
The building was designed to evolve over time and will continue to incorporate new technologies and adapt to occupant needs.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated with the Oberlin staff to continuously improve the as-built building.
NASA's Glenn Research Center has been exploring the idea of installing a hydrogen fuel cell to store energy produced by the building's photovoltaic array.
The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has used the Lewis Center as a laboratory in which to test measuring and modeling techniques for indoor air quality and ventilation.
DOE2.1 simulations were used to help guide the design process as well as ...
Ongoing monitoring of building function and performance through hardware and software by Campbell Scientific, Inc. allows faculty, staff and students to continually explore ways to enhance building performance.
The design team also included:
- Energy consultant
- Structural engineer
- IEQ consultant
- Electrical engineer
- Energy Analysis
Finance & Cost
The project was financed through private donations. The Lewis family of Cleveland made the largest single donation.
- Grant: Private (foundation)
- Procurement process: Design-bid-build
Cost data in U.S. dollars as of date of completion.
- Total project cost (land excluded): $6,405,000
Some of the hard costs:
- construction: $357 per sq foot ($3,840 per sq meter)
The total construction cost was $4,854,600, or $375/ft2 ($4,036/m2). The total design fee was $1,175,000. The photovoltaic array cost $402,500. The Living Machine cost $400,000. Landscaping, including the creation of a wetland area, cost $84,000.
An aesthetically stimulating curvilinear design and durable, attractive finishes were incorporated despite their high first-cost.
A more accurate measure than conventionally recorded first-cost is one calculated over the life of the building. Spending more money for durable materials, for example, may save in the long run by avoiding the need to replace those materials. Similarly, energy-efficient and energy-generating technologies save significantly on energy bills. Long-term costs were given priority over first costs in the design of the Lewis Center.
Unrecorded and uncalculated social and ecological costs result from choices made at each step of the design and construction process. Every effort was made to reduce such costs in the Lewis Center. Indeed, a main design principle was to create a building "without compromising human or environmental health somewhere else or at some later time." Though such costs are difficult to measure, they must be recognized. A more complete discussion of these issues is offered in Dr. Orr's The Nature of Design, published in 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Land Use & Community
The Lewis Center was designed to reference Oberlin's turn-of-the-century building style through its extensive use of brick, while recognizing the building's natural surroundings through the incorporation of curved roof lines. Landscaping for the building also draws heavily from natural inspiration and historical land-use practices. Included are a constructed wetland, apple and pear orchard, productive and decorative gardens, and a lawn area.
The west side of the building was designed to complement the town residences that border the property. That side of the Lewis Center is primarily brick and relatively conservative in design. The other sides abut college residential buildings and grassy bowls, which the design reflects through a more grandiose presence.
Located within the existing Oberlin campus, the Lewis Center was designed to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian travel.
Responsible Planning
Ensure that development fits within a responsible local and regional planning framework
- Carry out mixed-use development
Support for Appropriate Transportation
Design development to have pedestrian emphasis rather than automobile emphasis
- Provide safe access for bicyclers and pedestrians
- Provide storage area for bicycles
Site Description
Landscaping
The Lewis Center site serves three broad ecological functions: natural habitat, food production, and water management. Landscaping, including several mini-ecosystems native to north-central Ohio, was designed with these goals in mind and is managed largely by Biology Professor David Benzing, his students, and college and community volunteers.
In 50-75 years, the microclimate created by native tree species on the south and southeast sides of the building will support spring wildflowers native to eastern deciduous forests. All grassy areas surrounding the building consist of species that require only infrequent mowing (by an electric mower) and are not reliant on chemical inputs. It is estimated that over a 20-year period, maintaining native species will cost only one seventh as much as maintaining conventional turf.
Permaculture vegetable and flower gardens located on the northwest side of the building are cared for by faculty, students, and community members. The site also supports perennial strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The earthen berm insulating the north side of the building is planted with dwarf apple and pear trees; once mature, the trees are expected to produce 25 bushels of organic produce each year. The gardens and orchard demonstrate how urban land can effectively produce food without sacrificing aesthetics.
Though wetlands once comprised 90% of the north-central Ohio landscape, only 10% of those wetlands remain today. A constructed wetland and surrounding meadow ecosystem wrapping around the southeast corner of the building provide habitat for over 70 indigenous plant species and myriad animals. The wetland and connected 7,500-gallon storage cistern collect stormwater and retain it on-site, lowering demands on Oberlin's often-overwhelmed stormwater and sewage collection system. Once mature, the wetland will irrigate the site's grasses, gardens, and orchard.
Salvaged carved stones, salvaged rock slabs, and river stones make up a rock and fern garden between the orchard and the north entrance to the building. Stone benches situated around the site are also made from carved stones that were once part of Oberlin's Conservatory of Music.
The John Lyle Sun Plaza is located at the south entrance to the building. John Lyle served as the landscape architect, but passed away prior to the building's completion. The plaza functions not only as a gathering space and outdoor classroom, but also as a seasonal clock: the gnomon's shadow marks seasonal proximity to solstices and equinoxes.
Real-time site conditions, including wind speed and direction, weather conditions, solar radiation data, and a pond-temperature profile, are available on the Oberlin College Web site.
Living Machine
Inside the Lewis Center, a "Living Machine" collects and treats all wastewater from the bathrooms and kitchen. Housed in a greenhouse abutting the atrium, the Living Machine combines conventional wastewater treatment technology with purification processes of a natural wetland ecosystem to remove organic wastes, nutrients, and pathogens from wastewater.
The resulting graywater then returns to the toilets and urinals for reuse and may eventually also be used to supplement on-site irrigation.
The Living Machine is oversized for its single-building application, enhancing its visible presence and teaching capacity, but also consuming more energy than necessary and frustrating attempts to keep it running smoothly.
A detailed explanation of the Living Machine is presented on the Oberlin College Web site. You may also view real-time data on the amount of water treated by the Living Machine in the past hour as well as dissolved oxygen levels and temperature readings for each of the Living Machine tanks.
- Previously developed land
Water Conservation and Use
Water Use
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**Water Conservation Education**
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Educate building management and employees about water conservation
Landscape Plantings
- Landscape with indigenous vegetation
- Landscape with edible plants
- Minimize turf area
Managing Stormwater
Design a constructed wetland for pollutant removal from stormwater
Wastewater and Graywater Recycling
- Plumb building to accommodate graywater separation
Energy
Current Sunlight
An original goal for the building was that it be a net energy exporter within 10 years, operating only on "current sunlight," as opposed to sunlight stored in the form of coal or oil. An extensive photovoltaic (PV) array, coupled with energy-efficient design and technologies, was employed to begin to address this goal.
More than 4,000 ft2 of monocrystalline PV panels cover the south-facing roof of the Lewis Center and are connected to the Ohio power grid. When the PV panels produce more energy than is needed by the Lewis Center, excess power is donated to the local utility, supplanting some coal-fired power production. When the Lewis Center demands more energy than the PV panels can supply, the center purchases power from the utility.
Because PV cells produce energy in the form of electricity, the entire building was designed to operate on electricity in anticipation of the day when all energy used at the Lewis Center will be produced on site.
Although the system has a theoretical maximum output of 60 kW, realized peak has been around 45 kW. Between March 2001 and March 2002, the PV system produced 53% of the building's energy demands. The goal remained for the building to be a net energy exporter, creating more energy than it uses over the course of a year.
In June of 2006, another 100 kW PV system was installed over the parking lot adjacent to the Lewis Center. Before this additional PV system was installed, the average annual energy use over the last 6 years was 32.2 kBtu/ft2/yr. Past performance suggests that with the addition of the new parking lot array the building will, indeed, achieve the designers’ goal of becoming a net exporter of electricity; with no further changes in technology or management it appears that the Center will produce greater than 110% of its annual electricity consumption.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient design measures include a long east-west orientation, a south-facing curtain wall, and optimally placed windows to maximize daylighting and solar heat gain; thermal mass through concrete floors and exposed masonry walls that help to retain and reradiate heat; and advanced glazing and insulation.
Lewis Center materials were chosen with an eye toward their insulating capacities. The atrium windows are triple-paned, argon-filled, and coated with a low-e glaze, resulting in little unwanted heat transfer (US R-value of 7). An earth berm on the north wall of the building combines with a well-insulated ceiling and walls to further prevent heat loss (building envelope US R-value of 13).
Closed-loop geothermal wells fulfill most heating and cooling demands in the Lewis Center. Supplementary radiant coils heat the atrium as needed.
Energy-efficient technologies include occupancy sensors and photoelectric daylight sensors to control lighting, carbon dioxide sensors and automated operable windows to control ventilation, window shades, and energy-efficient light fixtures resulting in a 0.9 watt per ft2 lighting load.
Real-time energy information, including a comparison of PV energy production to energy use, can be viewed on the Oberlin College Web site.
View the "Post-occupancy" section of the Process page to read about energy-related improvements that have already been made, as well as the evolution of the Lewis Center.
Materials & Resources
One of Professor David Orr's original goals for the building was to incorporate no material known to cause cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, or other hazards. To that effect, low-VOC paints, adhesives, and carpet were used.
All wood used in the Lewis Center is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to have come from sustainably harvested forests in California and northern Pennsylvania.
Recycled-content materials were specified for structural steel, brick, the aluminum curtain-wall frame, ceramic tile, plastics, and fabrics.
The carpet and access flooring system are products of service, on lease from the manufacturer.
Materials that were locally supplied or produced, including wood, bricks, and topsoil, were preferred. Several materials were salvaged from the Oberlin campus: bricks used in the gardens came from demolished buildings, carved stone used for landscaping and outdoor benches came from the old Oberlin College Music Conservatory, and the resource room table once served as a bowling lane.
Additionally, durability and maintenance needs were considered in material selection.
- Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems
- Certified Wood Products
- Compostable Synthetic-Fiber Fabrics
- Low-VOC Acrylic Latex Interior Paint
- Occupancy Sensors and Controls
- Photovoltaic Collectors
Seeding and Soil Supplements
Design for Materials Use Reduction
- Consider exposing structural materials as finished surfaces
Recyclable Materials
- Consider green leasing of materials and furnishings
Design for Adaptablity
Use an access floor to facilitate reconfiguring of spaces and cabling systems
Post-Consumer Recycled Materials
- Use plastic toilet partitions made from recycled plastic
Pre-Consumer Recycled Materials
Specify aluminum products made from high levels of recycled scrap
Use clay brick made from contaminated soil or industrial waste products
Materials and Wildlife Habitat
Use wood products from independently certified, well-managed forests for rough carpentry
Use wood products from independently certified, well-managed forests for finish carpentry
Indoor Environment
The Lewis Center is effectively daylit by a south-facing curtain wall, open atrium, and extensive exterior and interior windows. Fresh air is ensured through carbon dioxide monitoring and operable windows. Additionally, low-VOC paints, adhesives, carpet, and fabrics were specified throughout the building.
Entry of Pollutants
Design entry to facilitate removal of dirt before entering building
Visual Comfort and The Building Envelope
Orient the floor plan on an east-west axis for best control of daylighting
Use large exterior windows and high ceilings to increase daylighting
Visual Comfort and Interior Design
Install large interior windows to allow for the transmission of daylight
Ventilation and Filtration Systems
- Provide occupants with access to operable windows
Reduction of Indoor Pollutants
- Use only very low or no-VOC paints
Building Commissioning for IEQ
Use a comprehensive commissioning process to ensure that design intent is realized
Facility Policies for IEQ
- Recommend a non-smoking policy for the building
Awards
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award in 1999
- AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects in 2002
AIA Committee on Architecture for Education in 1999; Category/title: Design Award
Ratings
- Green Building Challenge in 2000
Zero Energy Building
Energy and Atmosphere, 0 of 0 possible points
Net Zero Site Energy, Building produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the site.
Net Zero Source Energy, Building produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the source.
Net Zero Energy Emissions, Building produces at least as much emissions-free renewable energy as it uses from emission-producing energy sources annually.
The Lewis Center is an all electric building and was designed with maximum energy efficiency in mind. The Lewis Center generates its own on-site electricity through a roof mounted 60 kW photovoltaic (PV) system and a 100 kW PV system located over the parking lot. Because of this, it is a net zero energy building (ZEB).
Lessons Learned
Inefficiencies in the building's heating system have received considerable attention. Electric boilers were installed in some places where heat pumps should have been used and heat pumps were mismatched with groundwater temperatures. Groundwater wells may also have been undersized. While some corrections have been made, others remain under consideration and study.
Fulfilling environmentally responsible material choice intentions proved more difficult than anticipated. Markets—especially local markets—for recycled or reused products were minimal.
Incorporating products-of-service into building contracts required extensive education of both suppliers and consumers. The team had hoped to arrange a product-of-service contract for photovoltaic cells, but no willing provider was located.
Learn More
It is possible to visit this project and tours are available. The Lewis Center is located on the Oberlin College campus at 122 Elm St. in downtown Oberlin, Ohio. Pamphlets for self-guided tours are available in the atrium. The building is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday. It is located on the south end of the campus (approximately 1 block west and 1 block south of the center of town.)
To arrange a guided tour, contact facilities manager Cheryl Wolfe-Cragin.
A virtual tour is available on the Oberlin College Web site. See below for link.
Cheryl Wolfe-Cragin (Tour Contact) Oberlin College 122 Elm St. Oberlin College Oberlin, OH 44074-1095 440-775-8747Books
The Nature of Design: Ecology, Culture, and Human Intention by Orr, David (March 2002) ISBN: 019514855X
The Nature of Design defines and describes what Orr has termed the "ecological design revolution." Orr includes a range of perspectives including theory, practicality, inspiration, and morality.
Magazines
Eco Design Matters: A Building that Teaches by Bonda, Penny
Publication: ISdesigNET (10/00)
This article provides an overview of the project. It is available in print or online. http://www.isdesignet.com/Magazine/Oct%2700/eco.htmlGreen Building at Oberlin Is a New Dream House for Environmental Studies
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education (1/21/00)Lessons Learned - High-Performance Buildings by Torcellini, Paul; Judkoff, Ron; Crawley, Dru
Publication: ASHRAE Journal Vol. 46, No.9 p. S4 (Septemer 2004)
Article describes lessons learned from six high-performance buildings: Oberlin College Lewis Center, OH; Zion Visitor Center, UT; BigHorn Home Improvement Center, CO; NREL Thermal Test Facility, CO; Cambria Office Building, PA; and Chesapeake Bay Foundation, MD. http://www.ashrae.orgThe Ecology of Design
Publication: Environmental Design & Construction (Mar./Apr., 2000)University Environmental Studies Building Hopes to Create More Energy Than it Consumes by Barista, Dave
Publication: Building Design and Construction (4/1/01)
This article provides an overview of the project. It is available in print or online. http://www.bdcmag.com/index.asp?layout=story&publication=bdc&articleid=CA68
676&webzine=bdc&stt=000
Web sites
NREL Lewis Center Web site
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which performed energy consulting for the building, describes the Lewis Center on their Web site.Oberlin Online Lewis Center Web site
This is Oberlin College's online description of the building. It includes a virtual tour of the building and site; an introduction to the building systems; an explanation of the design philosophy; descriptions of student projects; and real-time data for energy consumption and production, water use and wastewater treatment, outdoor weather conditions, and indoor temperature and humidity.William McDonough and Partners Lewis Center Web site
This is architect William McDonough & Partners' online description of the Lewis Center. It includes several photographs.
Others
Brochure: Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies (November 2002)
Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's "Highlighting High Performance" series, this brochure is available online in PDF form. (PDF 1.50 MB) Download Acrobat ReaderConference Paper: Early Energy-performance for a Green Academic Building by Schofield, John
Vol. 108 (6/2002)
Presented at the Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI http://www.ashrae.orgTechnical Report: Energy Performance Evaluation of an Educational Facility: The Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio by Pless, Shanti; Torcellini, Paul
Publication: NREL/TP-550-33180 (11/2004)
As part of its evaluation for the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published this detailed case study of the energy performance of the Oberlin College Lewis Center comparing measured energy use to the project's design goals and identifing successes and lessons learned. (PDF 2.80 MB) Download Acrobat ReaderConference Paper: First Year Performance for the Roof-top Photovoltaic Array on the Oberlin College Environmental Studies Center
Publication: 29th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, May 20-24, 2002 New Orleans, LA (2002)Conference paper: Lessons Learned from Field Evaluation of Six High-Performance Buildings by Torcellini, Paul; Dru, Crawley; Shanti, Pless, et al. (July 2004)
NREL conference paper published for the 2004 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. (PDF 716 KB) Download Acrobat ReaderRadio News Story: Lewis Center Re-Visited by Schaefer, Karen
This news story featuring Paul Torcellini (NREL), John Peterson (Oberlin), John Scofield (Oberlin), and David Orr (Oberlin) addresses the performance of the building. Audio available. http://www.wcpn.org/spotlight/news/2002/0507lewis%2Dcenter.htmlPeer Reviewed Paper: Photovoltaics for Buildings: New Applications and Lessons Learned by Hayter, Sheila; Torcellini, Paul; Deru, Michael
Publication: American Council for an Eenrgy-Efficiency Economy Summer Study (2002) (PDF 760 KB) Download Acrobat Reader
