Page 19 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 2

CASE STUDY NO. 7 DPR CONSTRUCTION OFFICE BUILDING
The building owner was approached for sale of the property, but the response was negative. DPR then negotiated a 10-year lease with terms that would allow substantial building improve- ments supporting the ZNE performance goal. The owner agreed to a below-market rental rate in exchange for the amount of tenant improvements that DPR proposed for the ZNE renovation. The offset of the rental cost permitted a reasonable scope of building improvements toward the ZNE goal. Also, with DPR’s internal requirement that any higher cost item pay back the extra investment within the 10-year lease period, the financial parameters of the renovation were set.
As a side note, the “investment” by the owner of the building, namely the lower rental rate in exchange for the tenant improvements carried out by DPR, has resulted in a significant increase in the value of the property.
Design Process and Low Energy Design Strategies
Every design alternative was evaluated for energy reduction versus cost, with the decisions finally based on the fit with the financial parameters established in advance. Specific examples in this regard are mentioned in the detailed description of the different ZNE design strategies, which follows below.
DPR was able to capitalize on its expertise as a construction manager, as well as the capability to be its own general contractor for this renovation project. They used a design-build process and a team of designers who were familiar with the company and its ZNE design goal. As a result, the design and documentation process was automatically an integrated approach.
In addition, using its construction management team, the company was able to employ suc- cessfully an aggressively accelerated schedule. The design of the renovation began in October
Interior View of Atrium
Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings, Volume 2
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PHOTO: JEREMY BITTERMANN
PHOTO: DREW KELLY