Lab Air Changes for Energy Savings
Seattle Campus' new Molecular Engineering and Sciences Building (MolES) incorporates innovative strategies for energy savings and sustainability. Reducing the number of air changes by 40% lightens the load on the mechanical systems that serve technically challenging laboratories, while operable office windows and solar chimneys are part of a more "organic" approach to heating and cooling. Phase change material fills the gap in walls and ceilings, and works by solidifying at cooler temperatures to retain heat while liquefying at warmer temperatures to facilitate heat exchange between the building and the outside. Concrete frame construction and partially exposed concrete floors do dual duty absorbing excess heat in summer and providing warmth in winter.