The new 104,000 sf, six-story building functions as the main administrative facility for Alexandria Renew Enterprises, one of the most advanced wastewater reclamation facilities in the United States. The building achieved LEED Platinum.

A holistic design approach was undertaken by the design team in order to achieve the owner’s sustainability goals. Vanderweil provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and sustainable design services, as well as LEED certification administration services. Vanderweil assisted the architect in the conceptual design of the building facades to integrate external shading features, glazing types, and photovoltaic panels into the building architecture. Vanderweil also developed and utilized a schematic level building energy model to assist in fundamental design decisions and quantify the benefits of each energy conservation measures.

The facility design includes on-site renewable energy through the use of an extensive PV system and use of reclaimed treatment plant effluent for non-potable water supply. The integration of sustainable design features such as these resulted in a projected energy cost savings of 46.7%, a reduction in potable water consumption by over 97%, and approximately 460 fewer metric tons of CO2 emissions.