Philadelphia Forensic Science Center

Photo credit: Barry Halkin

Indoor Environment

Fresh and exhaust airstreams are separated and located at remote points: exhaust is located at the north end of the roof (and directed straight up), and supply is located at the south wall (the vertical face of the grill). All duct insulation is external rather than internal.

All glues and adhesives were selected for their low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in order to protect indoor air quality.

The building is extensively daylit.

Green Strategies

• Visual Comfort and The Building Envelope
  • Use large exterior windows and high ceilings to increase daylighting
• Visual Comfort and Interior Design
  • Place primarily unoccupied spaces away from daylight sources
• Visual Comfort and Light Sources
  • Provide illumination sensors
• Ventilation and Filtration Systems
  • Provide heat-recovery ventilation
• Distribution Systems
  • Specify external duct insulation rather than internal
• Direct Exhaust from High-source Locations
  • Ensure that lab hoods exhaust to the outdoors

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Our thanks to the ENERGY STAR program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to the U.S. Department of Energy, and to BuildingGreen, Inc. for hosting the submission and judging forms.

For more information about the AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects, contact AIA/COTE. For help on how to use this Web site, contact .