10-28-2021
FXCollaborative's Office is LEED Platinum!
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FXCollaborative's new office officially achieved LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council! The space, located in JEMB Realty's 1 Willoughby Square, is the first LEED Platinum v4 ID+C in New York City and the highest scoring LEED v4 ID+C CI in the country. We are thrilled to celebrate this sustainability milestone.
Read on to learn how the office, designed with our in-house sustainability and LEED experts, promotes environmental responsibility, health, and wellness:
Energy
The office's energy strategy was developed through an integrative design process with early energy modeling and other analysis. This resulted in a 20% energy savings over applicable code (ASHRAE 90.1-2010), a layout that maximizes the use of available daylight, and an all-LED lighting with a daylight control system. The supplemental AC unit for the Server Room is a high efficiency water cooled unit with a variable speed ECM motor.
40 thermostats throughout the space measure temperature, humidity, and CO2 for room-level HVAC control. 70 plug load controllers at the circuit scale are paired with occupancy sensors and timers to measure and minimize plug loads. The design also leverages the Internet of Things (IoT)—270 smart connected multi-function sensors on a cloud connected IoT platform to map, analyze and optimize space utilization and the resulting energy use. Duct interior spray sealing prevents air leakage. The project underwent an enhanced commissioning process of HVAC systems. Additionally, green power offsets are in place for 100% of the energy use.
Indoor Air Quality and Comfort
The office prioritizes fresh air, supplying up to 35% beyond code requirements. A high level of air filtration with MERV-14 air filters, UV light treatment of coils in air handling units, and all low-VOC emission materials ensure healthy indoor air quality, which was confirmed through testing before occupancy and CO2 monitoring. Quality views throughout 80% of the occupied area, along with glare control through exterior shading devices and roll-down shades, support occupant comfort.
Materials
The design reuses many existing items including furniture, shelving, and task lighting. A painted concrete ceiling and columns minimized the use of new materials. New items were selected to include high recycled content materials and a high number of products with Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations. These declarations disclose global warming and pollution potential and material ingredients for interior health. Permanent wood materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests. Construction waste was sent to a Recycling Certification Institute certified facility for sorting and diversion. The main workspaces throughout the office are designed for flexibility.
Water
Using efficient fixtures led to a 44% water use reduction from the LEED baseline.
Pandemic-Responsive Design
The prioritization of a fresh air supply and high level of air filtration and disinfection, including through UV light treatment of HVAC coils, allowed the design to adapt to the shifting circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to outdoor space on terraces and balconies and touchless fixtures have also been key to FXCollaborative's pandemic response. Operationally, FXCollaborative reduced density in the office by scheduling time for employees to work in the space and enhanced cleaning procedures. Moving forward, the firm will leverage occupancy sensors to monitor room use and inform cleaning and scheduling and will use air quality sensors to promote good health and minimize unhealthy pre-conditions.
Office Sustainability Highlights
Read on to learn how the office, designed with our in-house sustainability and LEED experts, promotes environmental responsibility, health, and wellness:
Energy
The office's energy strategy was developed through an integrative design process with early energy modeling and other analysis. This resulted in a 20% energy savings over applicable code (ASHRAE 90.1-2010), a layout that maximizes the use of available daylight, and an all-LED lighting with a daylight control system. The supplemental AC unit for the Server Room is a high efficiency water cooled unit with a variable speed ECM motor.
40 thermostats throughout the space measure temperature, humidity, and CO2 for room-level HVAC control. 70 plug load controllers at the circuit scale are paired with occupancy sensors and timers to measure and minimize plug loads. The design also leverages the Internet of Things (IoT)—270 smart connected multi-function sensors on a cloud connected IoT platform to map, analyze and optimize space utilization and the resulting energy use. Duct interior spray sealing prevents air leakage. The project underwent an enhanced commissioning process of HVAC systems. Additionally, green power offsets are in place for 100% of the energy use.
Indoor Air Quality and Comfort
The office prioritizes fresh air, supplying up to 35% beyond code requirements. A high level of air filtration with MERV-14 air filters, UV light treatment of coils in air handling units, and all low-VOC emission materials ensure healthy indoor air quality, which was confirmed through testing before occupancy and CO2 monitoring. Quality views throughout 80% of the occupied area, along with glare control through exterior shading devices and roll-down shades, support occupant comfort.
Materials
The design reuses many existing items including furniture, shelving, and task lighting. A painted concrete ceiling and columns minimized the use of new materials. New items were selected to include high recycled content materials and a high number of products with Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations. These declarations disclose global warming and pollution potential and material ingredients for interior health. Permanent wood materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests. Construction waste was sent to a Recycling Certification Institute certified facility for sorting and diversion. The main workspaces throughout the office are designed for flexibility.
Water
Using efficient fixtures led to a 44% water use reduction from the LEED baseline.
Pandemic-Responsive Design
The prioritization of a fresh air supply and high level of air filtration and disinfection, including through UV light treatment of HVAC coils, allowed the design to adapt to the shifting circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to outdoor space on terraces and balconies and touchless fixtures have also been key to FXCollaborative's pandemic response. Operationally, FXCollaborative reduced density in the office by scheduling time for employees to work in the space and enhanced cleaning procedures. Moving forward, the firm will leverage occupancy sensors to monitor room use and inform cleaning and scheduling and will use air quality sensors to promote good health and minimize unhealthy pre-conditions.
Office Sustainability Highlights
