Page 18 - spaces4learning, Spring 2023

spaces4learning SUSTAINABILITY
ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH HISTORIC PRESERVATION AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
By Joe Brinkmann
CONSTRUCTED IN 1922 TO HOUSE THE SCHOOL of Law, January Hall is a three-story granite and limestone building that helped shape the identity of the Danforth Campus at Washington University in St. Louis. While iconic, it was inefficient and did not meet the university’s accessibility or sustainability standards.
Trivers has partnered with Washington University on a variety of design projects since 2003 to help campus operations become truly sustainable. For the renovation of January Hall, the university outlined several new requirements, including: •A minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Silver certification level. The most widely used green building rating system, LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. To secure LEED certification, projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. Certification levels range from
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAM FENTRESS
Certified (40-49 points) to Silver (50-59 points) to Gold (60-
79 points) to Platinum (80+ points).
•A minimum 20-percent improvement in energy
performance—not energy cost—compared to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) 90.1-2010 energy standard.
• Diversion of at least 90 percent of construction waste from landfills.
• Utilization of healthy, long-lasting materials and furniture. To achieve these goals, Trivers closely collaborated with Washington University and the rest of the project team, which included IMEG Corp., Custom Engineering, and Hellmuth +
Bicknese Architects.
Renovating for Sustainability
An extensive analysis of January Hall’s systems, utilities, and envelope revealed which of the building’s features were making the biggest impact on the environment.
First, January Hall’s old windows were not effectively regulating indoor air temperature. In addition to contributing to poor energy efficiency, the windows were making the building less comfortable for students, faculty, and staff. To remedy the issue, Trivers added a second layer of interior glazing to all existing windows. This unique solution preserved the building’s historic façade while significantly upgrading its environmental performance.
Like many historic buildings, January Hall was built without insulation, resulting in increased energy usage. While often necessary, adding insulation to historic buildings usually poses a challenge. It can change how the envelope functions, which may cause moisture issues. Comprehensive studies
18 SPRING 2023 | spaces4learning.com