Kindred Quaker Groups
Friends Committee on National Legislation
FCNL’s D.C. headquarters becomes 'green' building
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY architecture and "green" buildings are proving practical, if not yet popular. Their often stunning modern designs make good magazine and Sunday newspaper articles. But what about retrofitting old buildings? "Not much can be done; too costly." What about historic preservation with methods and materials that meet the latest environmental considerations? "Impossible; won't pass historical review."
That's what Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) was told when reconstruction became necessary for its building in Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill Historic District. Built during the Civil War, it has serious structural deterioration. An engineering study advised that safe occupancy might not extend beyond 2003.
On principle, the FCNL General Committee (with appointees from 26 Yearly Meetings) urged the maximum feasible use of "green architecture." That became a criterion in selection of the architectural firm, Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann, a leader in this emerging field.
Their plan considered site sustainability, water and energy conservation, materials and resources, impact on the atmosphere, and indoor environmental quality.
THE RESULT? A "green building" designed to meet LEED certification standards (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design).
After partial demolition and reconstruction, the building has incorporated such features as a vegetated roof (to eliminate storm water run-off and urban "heat island effect" and reduce heating-cooling needs), and landscaping to promote passive solar heating/cooling. Materials will be selected for their effect on indoor air quality, such as paints and adhesives with low Volatile Organic Compound content. Solar-electric power is tentatively planned for a later stage.
Recycled materials were be used throughout, from carpeting to ceiling tiles. The wallboard will be constructed from the byproduct of coal-fired power plant flue scrubbers. Even demolition materials will be recycled wherever possible rather than being sent to a landfill. The goal is to recycle 75 percent of construction waste.
Some of these requirements posed no special problems (e.g. selecting materials made within a 500-mile radius to reduce environmental impact of transport). Other choices required negotiation with historic preservation regulators (e.g. use of sustainably harvested bamboo to replace historic but termite-damaged wood). Many "green" products, such as low-flow water fixtures, are readily available, while FCNL's use of other products will help expand a currently very limited market.
Yes, there was some increase in the initial cost. "We made this decision on principle—we wanted to `push the envelope' of what could be done consistent with historic preservation," said Arthur Meyer Boyd, Associate Executive Secretary. "We also made it on faith, that our friends will support this effort with their contributions."
Lifetime costs for operations and maintenance will be lower than for traditional architecture. Durability was a concern, as well. "The architects said they could design us a 20-year, a 40-year, or 60-year building. We said we wanted a 100-year building."
Indeed, FCNL's reconstructed building is a witness to environmental values, right in the midst of congressional offices, for generations to come.
For further information, see www.fcnl.org and click on "Building Reconstruction" icon, or contact Tim Barner (tim@fcnl.org) or 1-800/630-1330 ext. 147).
Other green elements of FCNL's reconstructed building:
Landscaping with low maintenance (indigenous plants, no permanent irrigation system) that naturally enhances heating and cooling.
Increased insulation.
Energy-efficient, openable windows that bring light into the building while insulating against heat and cold.
More efficient heating/cooling using a ground-coupled geo-thermal system.
More efficient lighting design for work spaces and interior spaces filled with daylight.
Materials and finishes that have high durability and recycled content. ø |
