ASU Biodesign Institute Building B

Tempe, Arizona

Interdisciplinary Research is at the heart of the Biodesign Institute project in Tempe. This Arizona State University (ASU) research facility was designed to improve human health and quality of life through use-inspired biosystems research and partnerships. Completed in 2006, this 176,860 SF laboratory/office building was the first to earn LEED Platinum certification in the State of Arizona. Both Biodesign Institute Buildings A & B represent an aweinspiring marriage between science and architecture. A four-story central atrium connects all levels to encourage communication and collaboration. Together, the buildings bring the disciplines of engineering, life sciences and technology into one intellectual gateway for discovery. The Institute was created to provide a flexible, healthy work environment that will serve as a catalyst to productive change in science.

Sustainable Strategies

• Exterior sun louvers automatically adjust in response to heat or cooling need

• A 166.8 kW photovoltaic system was installed to produce renewable energy on site

• A 5,000 gallon cistern harvests enough water to eliminate the use of potable water for plant irrigation

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption within the building

• Occupancy sensors in all regularly occupied spaces control artificial lighting, reducing both lighting energy demand and associated cooling loads

• The day-lit facility maximizes the introduction of diffused natural light while preventing direct exposure to the intense desert sun

Project Results

• LEED for New Construction PLATINUM level achieved

• 1st Platinum certified building in the State of Arizona

• 58% energy cost savings above ASHRAE 90.1-1999 energy standard

• 100% savings of potable water use for irrigation

• 80% of construction waste was diverted from the landfill