$44M College Sciences Build Unveiled

LOS ANGELES-HGA Architects and Engineers has completed construction of the $44 million sciences complex at Los Angeles Harbor College. The 73,767-square-foot sustainable property is built to LEED platinum certification standards and has a net-zero energy plan.

The three-story complex is built on two steel-structured, L-shaped frames with two separate wings connected with a walking bridge. Architects additionally sourced building wood from sustainable forests. The complex will house the physical science and life science programs, featuring laboratories, 120-seat lecture halls, classrooms, administrative offices and a science court. “Our design incorporates rain water management, water usage reduction as well as significant energy self-generation from solar panels, among other methods. We believe it will become a model for a holistic approach to sustainability in the higher education world,” says James Matson, HGA principle.

With these sustainable features, the building is estimated to reduce energy by 43%, building water usage by 54% and landscape water by 60% as compared with baseline models. Solar panels mounted on the building exterior will generate 26%, or 344,000-kilowatt hours annually, of the buildings' electricity. As a result, the college estimates it will save $30,000 per year annually.

According to Patrick Thibaudeau, HGA sustainable design leader, the building features actually surpass LEED Platinum standards. It uses three times the recyclable materials required, and 98% of the construction waste was recycled. The building exterior features a DNA pattern, inspired by the science programs housed inside.  

Developers are making efforts to consider environmental impacts when constructing new properties, and finding creative ways to integrate renewable energy. In an earlier story, GlobeSt.com reported that SolarWorld is partnering with Sustainable Power Group and Conejo Recreation and Parks District to build solar carports at public parks in Thousand Oaks. The carports are estimated to generate 17.3 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy.