2024 USGBC-CA Green Building Awards
Merit in Energy/ Operational Carbon
At 590,000 SF, the Edwards Lifesciences Campus Expansion serves as a development model that demonstrates that sustainability can be achieved at scale. Five LEED-certified buildings, including a LEED Platinum, net-zero Entry Pavilion, three LEED Gold Certified office/lab and food service/conference facilities, and an additional office/lab building pending LEED Gold certification, were achieved on a standard project budget.
Leveraging analysis tools and an integrated multi-disciplinary approach, the design team optimized energy performance through high-performance envelope, optimized interior and exterior lighting systems, energy efficient HVAC (including VAV laboratory and kitchen hood systems), and optimized building controls.
In addition to LEED certification, each of the new buildings on the campus meets its relevant AIA 2030 Commitment target. The ELS Campus Expansion project added 1,100 KW of renewable energy photovoltaic systems, contributing to what is now one of the largest customer-owned renewable energy systems in the State of California. With additional PV systems located over parking structure canopies, ELS has installed 2,200 KW of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the last 15 years at its headquarters in Irvine, outputting approximately 3.5 MWH of electrical energy each year.
Overall blended predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI) is 40 kBTU/sf-yr, inclusive of relatively energy intensive laboratory and food service spaces. Predicted Net EUI is 30, with approximately 25% of predicted energy offset by on-site renewable energy systems.
The campus expansion accomplished aggressive performance goals through an integrated design
process and a focus on synergistic strategies. For example, PV-topped, covered walkways channel circulation out of conditioned space, simultaneously producing energy while reducing operational and embodied carbon emissions. These canopies also shade the building envelope and protect the buildings from the solar heat gain while providing comfortable exterior pathways that promote active design and a connection to the outdoors.
Another example is the planted roof decks. In addition to promoting a connection to the outdoors, these
exterior gathering spaces mitigate the heat island effect, help manage stormwater runoff, and include
shade canopies with power generating photovoltaic panels.
The project looks to minimize its impact on the surrounding community. The site design solution manages 100% of stormwater onsite and the quality of the runoff has had pollutants removed to a level that makes the runoff safe for discharge into local waterways.
This project ultimately discharges into the San Diego Creek and per the stormwater management strategies implemented, the runoff from this project will not negatively impact its ecosystem. The conservation of water and energy as well as mitigating the heat island effect and protecting the night sky are other examples of the project being a good neighbor.
At 590,000 SF, the Edwards Lifesciences Campus Expansion serves as a development model that demonstrates that sustainability can be achieved at scale. Five LEED certified buildings, including a LEED Platinum, net-zero energy pavilion, three LEED Gold Certified office/lab and food service/conference facilities, and an additional office/lab building pending LEED Gold certification, were achieved on a standard project budget.
The expansion played a major part in creating one of the largest customer-owned renewable energy systems in the state of California. The project added 1,100 KW of renewable energy photovoltaic systems to the campus through rooftop installations and shade canopies. With additional PV systems located over parking structure canopies, ELS has installed 2,200 KW of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the last 15 years at its headquarters in Irvine, outputting approximately 3.5 MWH of electrical energy each year.