Eco Factor: Sheriff’s forensic laboratory and coroner’s office in San Matao runs on solar energy.
HOK Design has developed a sustainable office building in San Matao, California, which will function as a forensic laboratory and coroner’s office. The design firm believes that even a small forensic lab with a humble budget can be sensitive to the environment and also provide a green and fresh place to work.
The facility is powered by 22,000-sq-ft solar array that feeds in the grid during the day. Apart from the use of solar energy, the overall facility has been designed with some eco-fabulous systems that reduce its carbon footprint.
These systems include daylight harvesting, advanced lighting controls with occupancy sensors and photocells, natural ventilation using operable windows and energy-efficient VAV fume hoods HVAC systems. The building has been developed using sustainable materials. However, with no backup mechanism installed, the building runs on grid electricity during nighttime or overcast conditions.
Via: HOK
