The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), founded by renowned scientist J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., is a leader in human genomics research; environmental metagenomics research to identify microbes in the oceans, soil, and the human body; developing synthetic biology advances to better understand life; and important research into infectious disease such as Zika and influenza. Dr. Venter and his team were responsible for the historic sequencing of the complete diploid human genome and the construction of the first synthetic bacterial cell.

The Institute is not only a leader in genomics research, it respects life and the environment by using environmentally friendly and sustainable building equipment, materials and processes in virtually all respects.

Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, JCVI started planning for a new laboratory and office building on the West Coast in 2005. The new facility, completed in 2013, is situated on the UC-San Diego campus, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Every aspect of the 44,600 square-feet, three-story building was designed with the environment in mind and to achieve two goals: Net zero energy use by generating on-site as much energy as the building consumes, and water conservation in the semi-arid part of the U.S. The building also achieved USGBC LEED Platinum designation. These goals were met using a multi-faceted approach to building design and construction:

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system for heating and cooling using Multistack air- and water-cooled chillers, and heat pump systems

• 26,124 Square-feet of photovoltaic surface in two arrays and 1,488 panels generate enough electricity to meet almost the entire annual demand
• Use of natural daylight with sensors to detect when additional lighting may be needed
• Operable windows for natural, passive ventilation
• 95,000 Gallon rainwater collection system provides water for toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling tower makeup— supplying more than half the building’s annual water use

All construction materials were selected not only for performance, efficiency and aesthetics, but also for sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Features include high-performance windows, Spanish cedar cladding and quickly renewable interior materials such as bamboo flooring. The high-strength concrete includes 30 percent fly ash to increase recycled materials use and reduce the energy needed for construction. The cedar cladding was sourced from renewable forest and left untreated to eliminate chemical finishes.

Photovoltaic cells on the roof not only generate electrical energy, but their location provides shading to help reduce heat gain and cooling requirements. Under-building auto parking is provided along with bike racks, rest rooms and showers to promote the use of alternative transportation methods.

Let There Be Light
The overall orientation of the building on an east-west axis allows for excellent day lighting to reduce energy consumption for lighting. The building’s narrow configuration provides the most glass area on the south and north exposures, while reducing glass area on the west side that would otherwise result in afternoon heat load.

A Heating and Cooling Challenge
Passive strategies include enhanced wall and roof construction and natural ventilation. Enhanced wall and roof construction allows the mechanical system to be smaller, which decreases first cost and minimizes architectural/ structural challenges. JCVI’s natural ventilation strategy uses manually operable windows, allowing occupants to actively adjust their office environment for comfort and eliminate both the first-cost and the maintenance requirements of window actuators. Gentle breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the temperate climate of La Jolla greatly reduce the hours of active system operation.

However, there are days where an active system is required to provide heating and cooling to ensure occupant comfort and productivity. JCVI’s active HVAC system includes induction diffusers and a dual-temperature chilled water loop and hot water system. Induction diffusers are served by a dedicated outside air system that brings only fresh outdoor air into the building without recirculated air. The benefit of such a system includes smaller ductwork and less sheet metal, smaller fans and air handling units. The dual-temperature chilled water loop provides dehumidification and cooling at the induction diffusers. The hot water system provides heating at the induction diffusers and serves both domestic and industrial hot water systems.

JCVI Features Advanced HVAC Products from Multistack