UCSF, Smith Cardiovascular Research Building

• The UCSF Cardiovascular Research building project is located on an existing landfill which is classified as a “brownfield” by the California State Agency EPA. In an effort to rehabilitate the damaged and environmentally contaminated site the University had to work with the Regional Water Quality Control Board to implement a recovery plan. Due to dangerous levels of methane emissions from the landfill soil an extensive methane mitigation system was installed underneath the building footprint to vent the methane gas into the atmosphere.

• A Wind Tunnel Study was conducted to evaluate the rate and spread of the toxic chemicals that would be exhausting from the fume hoods in the building. The study was conducted to ensure that the toxic chemicals would not re-enter the building air circulation system or contaminate nearby buildings. Chemical exhaust rate and spread was adjusted with the design of operable windows, terraces, air handlers, and pathways through the building.

• Through use of a variety of low-flow fixtures for sinks, toilets, and showers, the building will reduce water consumption by over 30%.

• A Measurement and Verification Plan was implemented in the building to measure chilled water, heating hot water, steam, domestic water, irrigation, air distribution, and electrical loads. Each system will be monitored separately with a series of meters and the data will be collected into an Energy Soft Model and compared against a baseline case.

• During construction, over 75% of the construction debris is being recycled at a nearby recycling facility. There are separate bins located on the jobsite to separate recyclable materials such a sheet metal and timber. The remaining debris is loaded into general bins that are separated at the recycling facility.

• All finishes inside the building such as adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet, and composite wood are low-emitting materials. This means that the materials emit low amounts of VOC’s and harmful chemicals. Forest Sterwardship Council’s certified wood products are also being used for 50% of the wood-based materials and products in the building.

• A Storm Water Management plan will include installing a 6,000 square foot gravel detention basin underneath the courtyard in the landscaped plaza outside the building. Based on the soil conditions, infiltration rate, and the detention volume, the detention basin will be able to reduce the volume of the 2-year 24-hour storm event by 25%.

• By changing the landscape vegetation to non-mowable native grasses and installing a green roof on some of the roof areas, the building will protect and restore habitat and promote biodiversity.