Project Profile: Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business

Engineering firm: RMF Engineering Inc.
2022 MEP Giants rank: 42
Project: Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business
Location: Clemson, SC, United States
Building type: Educational facility
Project type: New construction
Engineering services: Automation, controls; electrical, power; energy, sustainability; fire, life safety; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; plumbing, piping; underground utilities
Project timeline: August 2016 to August 2021

Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business, Photography provided by LS3P

Challenges

The existing business school on campus known as Sirrine Hall was outdated and in need of a bigger and newer facility to accommodate the growing campus. This 176,000 SF building is the new home for Clemson University’s College of Business, replacing Sirrine Hall which was constructed in 1938.

Challenges/Results Accomplished:

To reduce glare, heat and the energy load of the building, on the south face of the atrium, selected areas of the north tower were provided with tintable electrochromic SageGlass that automatically adjusts in response to the sun.

Fast facts:

• 1,600 classroom seats
• 24 teach spaces
• 303 total rooms
• 176,000 SF
• Dual-tower, five-story structure
• 90 ft. high atrium that provides natural light for every office

Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business, Photography provided by LS3P

Solutions

The mechanical system serving the College of Business is a high-performance variable air volume (VAV) system with hydronic terminal reheat units, with all heating and cooling systems supplied by the campus’s central chilled water and steam utilities. The system, through the direct digital control (DDC) and web-based JCI Metasys building automation and temperature control system, integrates the best practices of sustainability and energy efficiency. Strategies include equipment rightsizing, zone optimization, outside-air-based free cooling (economizer), scheduled equipment shut downs, space temperature setbacks during vacant and unoccupied hours, optimum start/stop control sequences, hydronic and airflow supply temperature reset, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensors for monitoring and demand-based outdoor air ventilation, and digital energy metering equipment to monitor and trend energy usage in order to proactively identify and issues or failures.

Benefit/value to client

• 3 Green Globe Certification
• Increased energy efficiency
• Enhanced occupant comfort
• Improved, healthy learning environment

Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business, Photography provided by LS3P

Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business, Photography provided by LS3P

Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers New College of Business, Photography provided by LS3P

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