Page 33 - RC2020-EDGEMagazine_SummerEdition

The Living Building Challenge is different from other
green standards, as certification can only occur after

providing actual performance datafrom at least 12 months
of continuous occupancy and operations; the building must
prove it is net energy and net water positive.

The LBC is different from other green certification stan-
dards in that LBC certification can only occur after pro-
viding actual performance data from at least 12 months
of continuous occupancy and operations. In other words,
The Kendeda Building has to prove that it is net energy
and net water positive. Interesting technologies that are
designed to help achieve net energy and net water posi-
tive include:

• Water systems that allow for The Kendeda Building to
only use water collected and treated on site for both
potable and non-potable uses, as well as recycle/man-
age all stormwater, greywater, and sewage.

• Energy efficient materials and mechanical sys-
tems, coupled with on-site solar, that collectively are
designed to allow The Kendeda Building to produce
at least 105% of the project’s energy needs on a net
annual basis.

While most of the building’s technologies have no daily
impact on users, there are two technologies that warrant
attention. Foam-flush, composting toilets are a key
technology that, as designed, should allow the building
environment. In order to meet certification standards, the to attain its net water positive goal. As compared to
project team had to meet all 20 Imperatives and, from conventional toilets, these use a minuscule amount of
the beginning, ensured that every single action, material, water. The waste collects in composters in the basement
or process was able to satisfy more than one Imperative. where natural processes convert the blackwater into
For example, the building’s solar canopy produces on-site useful and nutrient-rich fertilizers that are periodically
renewable electricity to satisfy the net positive energy hauled offsite for beneficial reuse. While the building’s
Imperative. In addition, it provides shade that lowers the water system will serve as a best-in-class example of how
building’s heat gain in the summer and forms part of the to promote the continued prosperity of the Atlanta region,
building’s rainwater catchment system, which is required it does require behavior change in users. For instance,
for the building to satisfy its net positive water Imperative. occupants have had to learn how to use the foam-flush,
composting toilets.
As another example, to satisfy requirements in the Place
Petal, The Kendeda Building was built on previously devel- The building has an unconventional heating and cooling
oped land that is directly east of a portion of Georgia Tech’s strategy. To minimize the size of the on-site solar sys-
future Eco-Commons. The planned campus-wide 80-acre tem, the design-build team incorporated a high-efficiency
ring of greenspace comprising the Eco-Commons is also HVAC system consisting of a dedicated outdoor air sys-
being constructed on previously developed land and will tem (DOAS), a unique radiant heating and cooling system
enhance stormwater management on campus, increase total in the building floor, and over 60 fans for air circulation.
tree canopy, and reduce the carbon footprint of campus. Continued on page 51

31