Article source: RNL Design

The Research Support Facility (RSF) is a very significant building for DOE and NREL. It is a showcase of how high-performance buildings can be aesthetically compelling, acquired at a competitive first-cost and lifecycle cost, and through integrated design, how high-performance buildings can reduce performance risks to the Owner and constructor. Not only is the RSF designed to meet the LEED Platinum rating as defined by the US Green Buildings Council, it is slated to be the first Zero Energy Building (ZEB) of its kind. The building is a showcase of sustainable high-performance design. It demonstrates the integration of high performance design features and practices, showcases technology advances, and captures the public’s imagination for renewable and energy efficient technologies.

Research Support Facility (Image Courtesy Frank Ooms)

• Architects: RNL Design
• Project: U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Research Support Facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• Location: Golden, Colorado
• Gross area: 222,000 SF
• Date completed: June 2010

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