Sustainability Report

Whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) was used in each design phase to benchmark the embodied carbon, identify the embodied carbon intensity by material, and iterate design options. Operational carbon from measured building energy use is 85% less than the average laboratory, including the dedicated off-site photovoltaic array.

The design’s exemplary operational carbon performance starts with maximizing passive strategies. An east-west oriented massing allocates minimal glazing area on the east and west facades to decrease peak solar gains and position the southern façade to easily address daytime sun with a large overhang. A high-performance envelope mitigates heat loss and increases energy efficiency. Most notably, the design team intentionally split the floorplan so that climate sensitive programs are separate from the offices, classrooms, and social spaces. This allows all non-lab spaces to be naturally ventilated and eliminates active cooling to these spaces. Heating and cooling for the lab spaces is served by active chilled beams. Renewable energy from a campus owned off-site photovoltaic array is allocated to Henley Hall on an annual basis, helping offset operational carbon. Annually, operational carbon is predicted to be 64% below the industry average, inclusive of renewables. However, continuous energy monitoring since 2020 shows that the building is demonstrating an 85% operational carbon reduction compared to the baseline. The project team will continue to monitor, review, and share the performance data to provide feedback to the client and inform the larger design community.