-- Highly Efficient Infrastructure Systems Expected to Reduce Annual Energy
Use by 36 Percent --
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 19, a new dance complex at Point
Park University will receive the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education
Award in recognition of the university's commitment to energy efficiency and
sustainability in selecting high performance infrastructure systems for the
building.
Already lauded for its sustainability, in 2008, the new $16 million building
was one of the first complexes of its kind in the nation to receive Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC) Gold
certification, one of the highest levels of distinction in the U.S. Green
Building Council's building performance program.
Opened in 2007, the complex features a comfortable, stable environment for
teachers, staff and students, addressing challenges they had faced in the
previous space from humidity and temperature swings and high energy and
operating costs. The efficient infrastructure systems selected for the complex
are projected to generate 36 percent annual energy usage savings over ASHRAE
90.1 standards. The complex also features estimated 40 percent annual savings
in water use.
The completion of the dance complex is part of the Academic Village at Point
Park University, a $244 million master plan that will transform Point Park and
its downtown neighborhood. Other recently completed elements of the plan
include renovation to the adjacent Lawrence Hall and the opening of a new
residence hall. The plan also includes a new Student and Convocation Center,
including a gymnasium and a park. An overview of the new Academic Village at
Point Park University is available at www.pointpark.edu/academicvillage.
In recognition of the importance of administrators' commitment to efficient
and sustainable energy usage, operational efficiency and environmental
responsibility, Point Park University administrators will receive the "Trane
Energy Efficiency Leader in EducationAward."
Details of the award presentation:
-- Trane representatives Bill Harris, education vertical market leader;
Terry Dugan, district manager, and Tim White, general sales manager,
will present the award to Bridget Mancosh, senior vice president of
finance and administration, Point Park University.
-- The awards presentation will be at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 in the lobby of
Lawrence Hall at Point Park University, 212 Wood St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
"We now offer our students, faculty and staff spacious teaching and rehearsal
facilities that perform at the highest levels so that they can do the same,"
said Paul Hennigan, president, Point Park University. "We're thrilled that the
state-of-the-art systems in these new spaces go beyond increasing comfort and
efficiency to save money and conserve natural resources."
Administrators Carefully Selected Energy Conservation Measures
Before designing the new facility in 2005 and 2006, administrators conducted a
comprehensive benchmarking process of the country's leading dance facilities
to identify best practices in studio design. Administrators also carefully
selected infrastructure systems to meet their objectives of establishing an
environment with consistent humidity and temperature while reducing operating
costs.
To maintain a stable and comfortable environment in the three-story complex,
the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system efficiently draws in the
maximum amount of fresh air needed as indicated by sensors monitoring carbon
dioxide levels, temperature and humidity. Stable conditions and fresh air are
essential for the dancers' comfort in both rehearsal and performance spaces.
The new system also allows temperatures to be adjusted within individual
rooms.
To conserve resources, water-efficient fixtures in the complex incorporate
dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and showerheads. The complex also
includes a building automation system for centralized building control, system
optimization to maximize energy efficiencies and remote monitoring.
To maximize the use of natural light, large floor-to-ceiling windows set in
bright, reflective walls allow sunlight to flood the spaces during the day.
Light trespass from the building is minimized, reducing light pollution which,
in turn, improves night time visibility and creates an aesthetically pleasing
environment.
From an environmentally responsible standpoint, the three-story building also
includes an Energy Star-rated roof, water-saving systems, sustainable wood
floors and paints, carpeting and other materials with low emissions.
The project met LEED-NC Gold standards. LEED (www.usgbc.org) promotes a
whole-building approach to sustainability by reviewing performance in key
areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental
quality.
About Point Park University
Point Park University, founded in 1960, is a comprehensive master's level
university with a strong liberal arts tradition located in the heart of
downtown Pittsburgh. Point Park enrolls more than 3,900 full-and part-time
students in 67 undergraduate programs and 11 graduate programs offered through
its School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication
and the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
About Trane
Trane, a business of Ingersoll Rand - the world leader in creating and
sustaining safe, comfortable and energy efficient environments - improves the
performance of homes and buildings around the world. Trane solutions optimize
indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating,
ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services,
parts support and advanced controls for homes and commercial buildings. For
more information, visit www.Trane.com.
SOURCE Trane
Joan Schimml, +1-651-407-3897, joan.schimml@trane.com
