Cleveland State University

Science and Science Research Buildings

Fume Hood Renovations

Under the House Bill 7 legislation, the Brewer-Garrett team was selected to renovate and modernize laboratories and laboratory hoods in Cleveland State University's Science and Science Research Buildings to meet anticipated laboratory requirements that included 87 laboratories and 121fume hoods using a "Labs 21" approach [Labs For the 21st Century, or Labs 21, is a voluntary partnership co-sponsored by the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL)].  Cleveland State University also included VAV fume hood controls, and a facility air monitoring system that would interface with the existing building automation system. CSU was also interested in pursuing other alternatives that included looking at replacing air handling units, exhaust fans, pneumatic controls, and dual duct boxes in order to improve student and faculty safety and comfort.

In order to evaluate approaches to reducing energy consumption in the laboratories and maximize the magnitude of capital improvements for the University, the Brewer-Garrett Team utilized an energy simulation program to model existing building conditions, then modeled two proposed approaches, and then compared these approaches against existing conditions. To calculate proposed savings and maximize total impact, two independent and separate analyses were performed that back-checked energy savings to within 3 % of each other. With extensive technical analysis complete, The Brewer-Garrett team developed two distinct approaches to reduce energy in laboratories while upgrading laboratory facilities. Option I included VAV fume hood control, retrofitting existing air handling units, installing dual duct VAV boxes, new DDC controls, variable Option II included low-flow, constant volume fume hoods, heat recover loop, refurbishing existing dual duct boxes, and retrofitting existing air handling units.  Both options included new base cabinets and fume hoods, expanded automation to all air-handling units and exhaust fans, retrocommissioning for existing chillers, air handling units, pumps, hot water systems, exhaust fans, water conservation and lighting retrofits. Finally, six alternates for new exhaust fans, VAV boxes and new dual duct air handling systems, were included for program expansion should the University choose.