National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Research Support Facility II
Golden, Colorado
LEED® Project
Combined, RSFI & RSFII encompass 360,000 SF. This project is a national showcase designed to demonstrate how high-performance buildings can be aesthetically compelling and acquired at a competitive first-cost and lifecycle cost. Not only is the RSF designed to meet the LEED Platinum rating, it is also on course to be the first net-zero energy building (ZEB) of its kind. The building is projected to consume a maximum of 25 kbtu per SF per year (demand side).
To obtain the high level of performance, one of the technologies that the mechanical system uses is a transpired solar collector to heat the ventilation air. Preheated outdoor air from the transpired collector is used to charge a high mass crawlspace air plenum which, through a series of control dampers, allows the RSF systems to use heat stored during the day to heat the outdoor air at night or on cold days.
In addition to the solar thermal systems, RSFII also includes an extensive photovoltaic array covering most of the building’s roof, which is also part of the commissioning scope.
RSF II systems and equipment being commissioned by EEI include:
Mechanical
- Chilled/condenser water system
- Heating hot water system
- Ventilation and air distribution systems
- Radiant heating and cooling system zones
- Unitary heating and cooling systems
- Exhaust air systems
- Heating recovery system
- Building automation and temperature controls system
- Domestic hot water system
- Solar thermal system
- Motorized window system
Electrical
- Main service and distribution
- Life safety systems
- Lighting control system
- Uninterruptible power systems
- Emergency power system
- Power metering
- PV system
| Owner | Department of Energy |
| Commissioning Authority | Engineering Economics, Inc. |
| Area | 360,000 SF (combined RSF I and II) |
| Total Construction Cost | $91.4 Million (combined) |