2.0 University Place is a 98,000‑square‑foot LEED Platinum office building in Philadelphia featuring high‑efficiency HVAC systems and sustainable design elements. The facility incorporates active chilled beams, dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), and high‑efficiency boilers and chillers. These systems contribute to significant energy savings, enhanced indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.
Key Facts
- 98,000‑square‑foot office building
- Multi‑certified LEED Platinum
- Five‑story facility
- Sold to Zurich Insurance Group in April 2016
- 500 active chilled beams installed
- One 20,000‑CFM PVS‑24 Pinnacle DOAS rooftop unit
- Four‑pipe heating and cooling system
- R‑42 wall assembly and R‑30 roof assembly
- Ventilation air to chilled beams ranges from 25 to 85 CFM
- Chilled water loop discharge temperature: 48°F
Challenge
The project required a high‑efficiency HVAC system capable of delivering superior indoor air quality, tightly controlled temperature tolerances, and sustainable performance to support LEED Platinum certification goals.
Solution
The building incorporated 500 active chilled beams, a four‑pipe heating and cooling system, and a PVS‑24 Pinnacle DOAS unit supplying conditioned outdoor air. Additional measures included high‑efficiency boilers and chillers, PP‑R piping, energy‑efficient building envelope components, and sustainability‑focused construction practices such as clean ductwork handling and environmentally friendly insulation and firestop materials.
Results
- More than 62% energy savings versus conventional HVAC methods
- Building ranks in the upper 22‑percentile of Energy Star Program facilities
- Exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 (2004) by 44%
- Enhanced indoor air comfort with stable temperature tolerances of ±1°F
- Achieved multi‑tenant LEED Platinum certifications
- Attracted green‑minded tenants and real estate investors
“The chilled beam system is a major contributor to the building’s sustainability story and ongoing energy efficiency.”
Michael W. Pavelsky
Sustainability Director
AIA, LEED AP at The Sheward Partnership
Products Used
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