Unlike a traditional HVAC system that heats and cools air and then distributes the air throughout a building, a VRF system pushes a refrigerant through 1/4-inch copper tubes that run throughout the office space. The refrigerant is distributed from a hub that balances the building temperature. If a space is too cool and another space on the opposite end of the office is too hot, the hub distributes hot refrigerant to the cool space and cool refrigerant to the hot space through small, quiet pumps.
Green and Energy Efficient
The VRF system was a major contributor to Turner’s Columbus office achieving LEED Gold certification from the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council. “We got the full 10 points on the HVAC energy credit, meeting a 30 percent reduction in energy from our HVAC system,” Ogden notes.
From the start, Turner representatives knew they would seek LEED Gold. “For us, it was about practicing what we preach,” Ogden says. “If we’re going to be our own design builder, we want it not only to be a cool office, but also give it the distinction of being LEED Gold certified. It’s just good business. All you have to do is look at the energy savings we are benefitting from as a result of the systems we chose to put in place.”
Turner is monitoring consumption in Columbus and in other offices throughout the country. Last year, six offices, including Columbus, competed for lunch and bragging rights based on whichever office was the most energy efficient. A one-month period in the summer was chosen as the baseline and then, the following month, the offices competed. Columbus won the competition.
Additional energy-efficiency features in the Columbus office include occupant sensors on every light fixture. Ogden guesses about 20 percent of the employees never turn on their lights thanks to ample natural daylight in the space. That percentage increases in the summer.
The windows are operable, so on nice days the VRF system is turned off and windows are opened. The building’s restrooms feature low-flow fixtures and waterless urinals. Tankless water heaters provide instant hot water.
Turner Pride
Turner’s Columbus office was one of the most enjoyable projects Boyd has worked on because Turner was so involved in the design decisions. “They were really trying to be true to the construction materials and every selection was just really thoughtful,” she says. “A lot of clients don’t spend the extra time and/or money to do the things they did. I think it was about building a space employees could be proud of and helping them feel like they are part of the bigger Turner family.”
Ogden felt some anxiety being the project manager for his own office space. “I work here every day and my colleagues work here every day,” he says. “I wondered: Are they going to enjoy the space? Are they going to be more productive in the space? Or are they going to see things that hinder their work performance or make it a drag to come to work?”
Fortunately, he says, everyone continues to be very complimentary. In fact, even though Turner moved into the building in June 2012, the praise hasn’t ceased as time has passed. “People want to be here and want to host meetings here and not just Turner meetings but they also host meetings for organizations they’re affiliated with outside of work,” Ogden says. “And there still are tours going on; there was one last Friday afternoon. That, to me, is a testament of the pride they have in the office.”
Materials
VRF system: Mitsubishi Electric
Energy monitoring: Lucid