High performance design
Using experience, data and analyses, we uncover and share information so owners and operators can make informed decisions for their projects. We have the team, technology and the tools to help our clients determine and achieve goals for efficient building operations, maintenance and occupant wellbeing.
HIGH PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY | Cobalt Credit Union | Papillion, Nebraska
Energy efficient beacon on a hill
During a period of incredible growth, Cobalt Credit Union (formerly SAC Federal Credit Union) recognized they needed a consolidated home to sustain the next 30 years of operation. Cobalt commissioned LEO A DALY to design a new and efficient headquarters near Omaha, Nebraska. The four-story, 94,000-SF headquarters is designed to office up to 250 employees and operate as a full branch credit union. Anchored by the “communication core” — a glass and aluminum-encased central atrium with monumental staircase — the building systems feature multiple strategies to reduce operational carbon and minimize cost.
%
energy saved
dollars saved per year
%
less carbon emitted
Keeping cool with less effort
Keeping staff and credit union members comfortable during humid Nebraska summers is a necessity. To cool office spaces throughout the building, an active chilled beam system circulates 57-degree water through suspended cooling coils. Warm air rises from the ambient space, passes over water-cooled coils in the ceiling and is circulated back into the room, minimizing the need for mechanical cooling from fans. The system provides more comfort and uses 44% less energy with lower operating costs than standard mechanical cooling.
Improved efficiency at reduced cost
A water-to-water heat pump supplies dehumidified air to the chilled beams and the central atrium by 218 connected geothermal wells on the property. During cooler weather the system pumps warm water to radiators along the perimeter of the building. This variable system uses the 300 foot deep wells to provide both cool and warm water and maintains comfortable air temperatures for staff with 30% less utility costs.
Illuminating performance strategies
The lighting design incorporates energy-efficient luminaires and lamp sources, including LEDs and fluorescent lamps. Multi-level switching, dimming controls and occupancy sensors are combined with full-building automated lighting control panels to further reduce energy consumption. Additionally, daylight harvesting and light shelves are incorporated in multiple areas to take full advantage of available natural light.
“When designing the headquarters we chose systems, like the geothermal system, that would benefit the credit union for the life of the building and also provide environmental benefits. Efficient operating costs and creating a comfortable work space were key drivers during the design decision-making phase.”
Data is essential.
At LEO A DALY we operate with a performance based design agenda.
Early phase modeling is the gold standard and central technology used to design high performance buildings on time, within budget and with impactful reductions to CO2 emissions.
Beginning at the earliest stages of design, we require every project to benchmark its energy performance, align around an energy target that will inform the design process, and complete early phase energy modeling analysis to inform design decisions.
Effectively incorporating energy performance modeling and analysis during the design process takes an entire team. Our integrated design practice promotes architecture-engineering partnerships to identify design options early for analysis, and each studio has dedicated designers responsible for the training and implementation of early phase performance modeling across our entire portfolio.
Nick Lassek
High performance SME
Nick Lassek
Engineer, Mechanical, High Performance Design
Pillars of our Sustainability practice
Sustainability
Decarbonization
Responsible materials
Wellbeing
