EP A’s Green F uture for L abor a to

A Case Study Of the Kansas City Science & Technology Center 
Kansas City Science & Technology Center

300 Minnesota AvenueKansas City, Kansas 66101To obtain copies of this report, contact: 

U.S. EPA HeadquartersSustainable Facilities Practices Branch (3204R)1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NWWashington, DC 20460www.epa.gov/greeningepa

EPA-200-F-03-001May 2003

2Recycled/Recyclable. Printed with vegetable oil base inks on 100% postconsumer process chlorine-free recycled paper.
Kansas City, Kansas, has a new green building that’s going for the gold. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 7 laboratory, known as the Kansas City Science & Technology Center (KCSTC), is 

applying for a Gold Level sustainable design rating from the U.S. 

Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) program. For more than 7 years, a dedicated team 

of individuals and agencies has pursued a sustainable approach to the development and construction of this new laboratory facility. The Center is one of 10 EPA regional laboratories throughout the country that provide monitoring, analytical support, and data 

assessments. In the mid-1990s, EPA realized that effecmentation of the Kansas City laboratory’s mission was feasible in its existing location, which it had occupied fIn deciding to construct and occupy a new laboratory EPA incorporated lessons it learned when successfully and building its Region 7 headquarters office building 

That project showcased many green features and stracould be incorporated in the construction and operatregional lab. More information about the Region 7 gbuilding project can be found at <www.epa.gov/regio

p2/offtheshelf>. 

Native flower insets on m

Introduction 
Kansas City Science & Technology Center 

Acquisition, Development, & Construction Team 

For more information please contact: 

• CB Richard Ellis (developer/owner): www.cbre.com • The Clark Enerson Partners (architect/engineers of record): www.tcep.net • Commercial Mechanical, Inc. (mechanical subcontractor): www.cmidiv15.com 

• EPA Headquarters Facilities Management Services Division (planning, aquisition, 

project management): www.epa.gov/greeningepa 

• EPA Region 7 Environmental Services Division; Air, RCRA and Toxics Division; 

Office of Policy and Management (tenant planning/construction review): www.epa.gov/region07/p2/r7lab.htm 

• Hoefer Wysocki Architects (design architect): www.hwa.net 

• Koll Construction (design builder/LEEDTM certification coordinator): 

www.kollconstruction.com 

• Lillie & Company (commissioning agent): www.lillienco.com 

• SKCE Electric, Inc. (a Faith Technologies, Inc. company) 

(electrical subcontractor): www.webrytesolutions.com/skce/home.htm 

• Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas (land donor): 

www.wycokck.org 

• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Region 6 (acquisition, project 

management): www.gsa.gov/portal 

2 
KCSTC Vital Statistics 

Site: Brownfield redevelopmeAccess: Two blocks from EPA’s 

and on Metro bus line 

Size: 72,100 gross square feOccupancy: Up to 75 occupants Completion: Spring 2003 

Atypical laboratory uses far more energy and water per square foot than a typical office building because of intensive ventilation requirements and other health and safety concerns. This project employed as many 

energy, resource, and water-efficient features as possible in its 

design and construction to preserve natural resources, ensure occupancy health, and serve as a model for future laboratory design. The construction and operation of the Kansas City Science & Technology Center was contracted as a build-to-suit facility with a 20-year lease. As such, EPA and GSA selected the development team through a design competition and source selection process conducted in two stages. First, teams consisting of a developer/ owner, design builder, and architect/engineer submitted a general 

qualifications bid for designing and constructing a green laboratory. 

Then, EPA and GSA selected four teams to move forwactual building proposal based on the Solicitation for 

All bids required a narrative explaining why particular sustainability, and energy-efficient features were chose

they would reduce resource use in construction and boperation. The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEEDTM p

provided the framework for measuring achievements of these elements. 

Laboratory Building Requirements—Design/Selectio
Energy Efficiency 

• Consideration of building siting • Passive solar design approaches • Use of energy-efficient lighting • Daylighting • Energy-efficient building shell design • Low-energy glass • Efficient mechanical systems • Minimization of waste energy • Recapture of waste energy streams • Renewable/innovative energy sources • Technologically advanced building and 

mechanical control systems 

• Energy modeling conducted upon 

completion of design to identify additional conservation options 

Water Conservation • Low-flow plumbing fixtures • Water-efficient mechanical system design • Landscape design using native species • Minimal water for irrigation (e.g. drip 

system) 

• Building site that considers water use, 

retention, and reuse 

Resource Conservation • Use of materials with recycled content 

at or above average recycled content percentages according to LEEDTM 

• Use of materials that are manufactured, 

packaged, or transported in a way that reduces energy or material expenditures 

• Construction period recycling and 

waste minimization 

• Designing, building, and operating the 

building to accommodate EPA’s active recycling program 

Protection of the Ozone Layer • Avoidance of chlorofluorocarbons 

(CFCs) as refrigerants 

• Avoidance of blowing agents 

for insulation 

Support of Sustainable Forestry Practices • No consumptive use of endangered 

rainforest species 

• Wood products from certifi

sustainable sources 

Protection of Human He• Use of non-leaded paints • Provision of plumbing syst

prevent elevated lead levels 

Indoor Air Quality • Careful placement of exhaus

intakes to prevent cross-con

• Consideration regarding rad

the building 

• Protection of the heating an

(HVAC) system during cons

• Use of low volatile organic 

(VOC) adhesives, paints, secaulks 

• Construction period installa

sequencing 

• Sensitive janitorial and clea

approaches during the buildoperating life 

• No use of asbestos or asbe

containing materials 

4 

Green Features Requested in the SFO 

The SFO included the following language to ensure that construction features and the facility’s operation would promote 

energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmentally 

preferable materials and design. The SFO also called for 

to be LEEDTM certified, as explained on the next page. 
The KCSTC will apply for 46 points, a Gold Level 

the LEEDTM version 2.0 Scorecard that is being su

approval (see page 6). 

Some of the most notable features of the building are 

in more detail on the following pages. 

U.S. Green Building Council 

LEEDTM System 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) is a green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The goal of LEEDTM is to encourage design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants based on existing, proven technologies. LEEDTM certification is achieved through a rating system that evaluates: sustainable site planning; the safeguarding of water and water efficiency; energy efficiency and renewable energy; conservation of materials and resources; 

and indoor environmental quality. Applicants receive one to two points for achievement in each of 69 subcategories. See the KCSTC LEEDTM scorecard on page 6. 

LEEDTM has four levels of certification: LEEDTM Certified 

(26 to 32 points); Silver Level (33 to 38 points); Gold Level (39 to 51 points); and Platinum Level (52 to 69 points). More information about LEEDTM can be found at 

<www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp>. 

Final Design: The LEEDTM Scorecard for KC

Lessons Learned 

Including green building attributes and LEEDTM certification requirements from the start ensured an environmental focus throughout the project. 

Major benefits resulted from having the Construction Superintendent acquire LEEDTM Accredited Professional credentials, 

because he was responsible for LEEDTM documentai

reviewing all subcontractor material for “green” coCollecting data at each phase of construction was and most efficient method to attain LEEDTM certifica
6

The Submitted LEEDTM Scorecard for the KC
Energy efficiency was one of the primary goals for the design of the KCSTC, and every effort was made to incorporate energy-efficient design systems into all aspects of construction and operation. 

Energy Modeling After EPA and GSA chose a design/build team, preliminary designs 

were run through an energy model (DOE-2) to compare energy 

savings of the design to a “normal” (compliant with ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 Energy Standard for Buildings) building 

and to determine additional measures that could be incorporated into the lab for improved energy efficiency. Based on the results 

(which already showed 38 percent reduced energy costs and 44 

percent reduced energy use over an ASHRAE 90.1-1999 compliant building), a number of additional energy conservation measures 

were incorporated, including: 

• Replacement of laboratory canopy hoods with 

smaller, variable air volume (VAV) fume hoods. 

• Use of carbon dioxide sensors in the conference, 

lunch, and reception areas ensure that air flow is 

increased only when necessary to accommodate additional people in these rooms. 

• Addition of a plate and frame heat exchanger 

to the cooling tower condensing water system, which reduces energy demand for special 

laboratory equipment. 

Energy-Efficient HVAC System The KCSTC heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) includes the following energy-efficient design features: 

• Five modular natural gas-fired boilers, 

which are more efficient than one traditional mega-boiler, because individual smaller boilers are automatically activated as heat demand increases. 

• Three small, water-cooled chillers, including 

one primary variable-speed chiller; one chiller/condenser that employs water heat recovery from other systems to keep laboratory temperatures constant when increased air flow is required; and one back-up chiller that can be activated as needed (e.g., with building expansion). 

• VAV and cooling systems activated by 

conference room and common space carbon dioxide sensors. 

• Programmable thermostats. 

Overhead snorkels and VAV fume hood. 

Plate 

Energy 

Sma

Final Design: Notable Fe atures 
8 

Current modeling predicts the KCSTC will use approximately 

270,000 BTUs of energy per gross square foot per year, 

which translates to a 46.8 percent savings over a “normal” energy-efficient building. 

The following table compares nine categories of energy use and shows how the KCSTC can save 16,496,670,000 BTUs per year compared to the estimated consumption of 

a comparable conventional facility without the same energy-efficient features. 

Anticipated Annual Delivered Energy Savings Attributable 

to the Green Design of the KCSTC 

(Baseline=constant volume HVAC system) 

Category Type “Normal” KCSTC Energy 

Building (1000's of BTU) Savings 

(1000's of BTU) 

Cooling towers Electric 766,621 309,173 60% 

Fans (interior Electric 7,158,583 2,618,662 63% 

ventilation) Interior lighting Electric 1,202,383 1,244,073 -4% 

Exterior lighting Electric 40,362 40,632 0% 

Office equipment Electric 1,453,276 1,453,276 0% 

Pumps 839,250 543,302 35% Space cooling Electric 3,196,015 1,505,365 53% 

Space heating Electric 38,959 34,168 12% 

Space heating Gas 20,283,300 10,841,600 47% 

Water heating Gas 724,200 616,300 15% 

Total 19,206,280* 54% (46.8%**) 

* LEEDTM Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance, 30 percent supporting documentation 

prepared by Fred Porter, Architectural Energy Corporation, April 3, 2002. 

** 

Energy 

Electric 

35,702,950 

SOURCE:

Reduction per LEEDTM Modeling Protocol for unregulated or plug electrical loads. 
Final Design: Notable Fe atures Daylighting and Energy-Efficient Lamps Incorporating an energy-efficient lighting scheme was accomplished through the use of: • Low-energy glass for all windows. • Energy-efficient T-5 and halogen lamps for indirect lighting 

and T-8 lamps for direct lighting. 

• Motion-detector lights installed in laboratories. • A high-ceiling, open-bay office with large clerestory windows 

to allow natural light into the building. 

Clerestory windows provide natural daylighting to open 

open bay offices. 

Pendant light fixtures, providing direct and indirect light

of landscaped courtyard. 

Laboratory corridor with abundant natural daylighting and views 
10 

The design and construction of the KCSTC took energy efficiency and resource conservation a step further by looking outside the walls of the building for other innovative environmental initiatives. 

Materials Considering all sources of environmental impact from the 

construction of the KCSTC, the design/build team placed the highest priority on obtaining materials locally. Local materials use minimizes fuel consumption and transportation costs, while stimulating the local economy. Approximately 76 percent of 

construction and furnishing materials were obtained from within 

a 500-mile radius of the site. 

Transportation Alternative transportation options have also been accommodated in the design of the KCSTC. Electric car recharging stations, designated car pool parking spaces, bicycle storage, and a shower facility are all located at the building. In addition to these buildingspecific features, the site is accessible to Kansas City’s Metro bus 

service, further reducing the energy consumed by employees and visitors to the building. 

Resource Conservation 

Main entrance under construction. 

Electric car recharging station in north parking lot. 
Final Design: Notable Fe atures 

Recycling 

Construction activities typically generate solid waste (an estimated 28 percent of landfill material in the United States), but much of this is “clean waste” and easily recyclable. In keeping with the mission of reducing 

resource use in any way possible, construction of the KCSTC was completed with a comprehensive Construction Waste Recycling Plan for concrete, metals, wood, asphalt, and paper. In addition to training all demolition and construction workers about the recycling plan, the general contractor implemented a cost incentive program for construction waste recycling. All 

materials placed in the onsite, labeled recycling bins wwithout charge to the subcontractors. On the other hmaterials placed in the general refuse bin were subjecper-ton fee that was charged to the subcontractor’s acThe following table shows some of the materials recythe construction of the KCSTC. In addition to convenrecycling, asphalt paving cleared from the original site 

and reused later as backfill, saving landfill, transportadisposal costs. 

Estimated Amount of Materials Recycled 

During Construction of the KCSTC 

Materials Amounts Percent of 

(tons) Waste Stream 

by Volume 

Concrete 68% Rebar and steel 17 2% 

Non-treated wood 18 2% 

Total recycled material 665 72% 

THE KCSTC’S RECYCLING PLAN DIVERTED 

72 PERCENT OF CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM LANDFILLS. 

630 
12 

To conserve resources and support recycling within the building 

industry, the construction and furnishing of the KCSTC included numerous materials with high recycled content. In fact, so many materials exceed above-average recycled content that the lab expects to receive credit through LEEDTM for 107 percent recycled 

content materials use. (LEEDTM adds additional percen

to projects exceeding 50 percent recycled content.) E

some of the recycled content products incorporated i

KCSTC are shown in the following table. 

Approximate Recycled Content 

Materials Used for Construction 

Furnishing of the KCSTC 

Total Recov

Materials Material 

Construction 

Concrete (fly-ash content by weight) 3% Drywall 31%* Insulation 25%* Metal Studs 25%* Rebar 90% Reinforced Steel 90% 

Structural Steel Joists 100% Miscellaneous Steel 100% Window Glass 20% 

Furnishing 

Acoustic Ceiling Tile 65% to 70

Carpet 25% Ceramic Tile Flooring 70% 

* Aggregate recycled content includes postconsumer and 

postindustrial materials. 

Recycled content ceiling tiles. 

Recycled content carpet. 

Recycled content flooring. 
Water Conservation 

The KCSTC was designed from the ground up with water conservation in mind. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-efficient landscaping are all employed to minimize water use. The HVAC system consumes the 

most water in the facility. To reduce this use of city-supplied 

potable water, the HVAC system is connected to a rooftop 

rainwater recapture system. 

Rooftop Rainwater Recapture System The KCSTC rooftop rainwater recapture system directs water from a portion of the roof into pipes that lead directly into a 1,500-gallon underground sediment tank near the building’s mechanical room. There, the water is held so that any particulate matter can settle out. Following particulate removal, water flows from the top of the sediment tank into a 10,000-gallon, pre-cast concrete, fiberglass-lined underground tank just outside the building. Finally, a sump pump in the holding tank is used to supply the pressure tank, which provides graywater for toilet flushing, cooling tower makeup, and landscape faucets. Based on Kansas City’s average annual rainfall, the rooftop rainwater collection system is expected to supply approximately 763,000 gallons of water per year. 

Pressurized holding 

tank for the rain water. 

Final Design: Notable Fe atures 

White pipes on right carry rain 

water drained from the roof. 

Roof drains 

collect 

stormwater 

Pressurized 

holding 

tank 

Toilets/urinals 

Cooling 

tower 

Roof 

Sediment t

Holding ta
14 

Landscaping Xeriscaping is a landscape design concept used at the KCSTC that focuses on the use of native plants to reduce the need for watering and irrigation. It also considers soil types and employs the use of mulches to retain soil moisture. This sustainable landscaping 

design will also save money on landscape maintenance fees. 

Future Water Conservation MeThe KCSTC is already looking to innovate and improve conservation even further. Discussions are underway ta de-ionized water recycling system so that less water be used and processed for scientific procedures. In ad

are plans to collect air handler condensate water to adrainwater storage tank for reuse throughout the build

projections indicate that 100 gallons of water per housaved during peak (summer) cooling with this recaptu
Final Design: Notable Fe atures 

Occupancy health and comfort is of utmost importance to EPA. Great care was taken to ensure the highest indoor air quality in the KCSTC. 

Low-VOC paint, adhesives, glues, carpet, and floor tiles were used for finishing the building. Sequencing the finishing and furnishing of the building was also essential to address indoor air quality. 

Nonabsorptive materials were installed first. Later, after chemical 

odors dissipated, absorptive materials such as carpet, ceiling tile, and furniture were installed. Finally, before occupancy, the HVAC 

system was flushed and new fresh air filters were installed. 

Indoor Air Quality 

Separated utility corridor provides minimal disruption for m

mechanical equipment, electrical, and plumbing for laborato

due to construction. 

a daily basis to prevent infiltration of any dust, chemicals, or odors 

During construction, the HVAC system and duct work were sealed on 
16 

E.O. 13101—Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition • Specified environmental and recycling provisions in the SFO 

and design/build contract. 

• Used recycled-content building materials, including ceramic 

tile flooring, structural steel and concrete, acoustic tile, window glass, aluminum frames, carpet, and gypsum. 

• Developed a recycling plan for construction materials, 

including concrete, wood, steel, duct work, copper pipe, and paper. Milled and reused asphalt paving material as fill onsite. 

• Avoided CFC-based refrigerants in building systems. • Used low-VOC carpets, paints, adhesives, flooring, sealants, 

and furnishings. 

• Accommodated storage and collection of recyclables 

(e.g., paper, glass, plastics) during occupancy. 

E.O. 13149—Greening the Government Through Federal Fleet and Transportation Efficiency • Provided electric vehicle recharging stations. 

E.O. 13123—Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management • Used energy-efficient lighting, including motion-det

lights, and energy-efficient T-5,T-8, and halogen lam

• Reduced the need for electric lighting by designin

high-ceiling, open-bay office with clerestory windo

• Installed energy-efficient heating and cooling syste

including VAV ventilation systems for offices and laprogrammable thermostats, occupancy sensors, vaspeed drives on HVAC equipment, and VAV fume h

• Installed ENERGY STAR® reflective roofing to reduce 

cooling load for the building. 

• Installed a rooftop rainwater recovery system. • Installed low-flow plumbing fixtures in bathrooms• Used native landscaping/xeriscaping. 

E.O. 13150—Federal Workforce Transport• Sited building close to Metro bus service. • Designed car pool stations and designated car poo• Provided bike racks and shower facilities for comm

With the completion of the KCSTC, EPA has succeeded in leading by environmental example. The numerous environmentally friendly innovations and features incorporated into the building’s 

design and construction highlight EPA’s commitment to reducing 

natural resource use while providing functional, attrac

in which to carry out its mission. While accomplishing EPA has also fulfilled its federal obligations under a nuenvironmental Executive Orders (E.O.s). The following 

of KCSTC compliance features: 

Compliance With Executive Orders 
Publication Credits: 

• Dan Amon, EPA-HQ

• Doug Benton, GSA Region 6• Cathy Berlow, EPA-HQ

• Dennis Clemons, GSA Region 6• Caroline Clevenger, Architectural Energy Corp.• Bucky Green, EPA-HQ

• Bob Greenall, EPA Region 7

• Ken Henton, Hoefer Wysocki Architects

• Chris Hess, EPA Region 7

• Abbas Keshavarz, EPA-HQ

• Ron Kowalski, Koll Construction• Bill Ridge, EPA-HQ• Ina Square, EPA Region 7• Andy Stepp, The Clark Enersen Partners• Stephen Swalwell, Architectural Fotographics
May 2003 

EPPenalty for Private Use $300 OfW(3204R) 1200 Pennsylvania AEnvirUnited States 

A-200-F-03-001 

ficial Business 

ashington, DC 20460 

venue, NW

onmental Pr

. 

otection Agency