Maloney Hall, formerly home to the chemistry department, was renovated in 2019 as the new home of the Busch School of Business and Economics at The Catholic University of America. In January 2020, Maloney Hall was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC). The standard recognizes best practices in sustainable design, construction, and operations, and is emblematic of the priority the University places on sustainability.
A 2012 study found that U.S. commercial buildings such as Maloney Hall account for as much as 20% of energy use and 12% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Moreover, energy efficiency strategies could reduce that energy use by up to 30% of energy (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative). With these statistics in mind, sustainability and energy efficiency was a high priority for the building renovation. These efforts focused on interior features such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and energy. The exterior features include daylight exposure and rainwater management system.
Energy Efficiency
For energy-saving measures, 100% of the lighting in Maloney Hall is LEDs. These lights typically last twice as long as incandescent bulbs and use 83% less energy. The building's HVAC systems were designed to be as efficient as possible. In fact, the building was designed to perform 22% better than the energy code standard. The overhaul of the HVAC system initiated the campus’s move from a steam-based heat source to a more efficient and sustainable hot/chilled water system. The campus-wide steam conversion transition, or commonly known as the Energy Project, will be discussed in further detail in an upcoming blog post. In addition, the building includes automatic lighting controls, daylight controls, daylight sensors, thermostats, and carbon dioxide monitors. Rooms and spaces are equipped with sensors to determine occupant density. With the light sensors, the lighting dims in the presence of natural light. Thermostats adjust the temperature for occupant comfort. Finally, carbon dioxide sensors provide additional fresh air to high-density spaces such as an auditorium.
Water Efficiency
Maloney Hall is also water efficient. The building includes an extensive rainwater recovery system and low-flow fixtures in bathrooms. The recovery system allows the building to collect rainwater for use in restrooms. Additionally, low-flow fixtures, such as toilets and faucets, reduce utility costs and water usage. Landscaping features such as native plants and trees were chosen to avoid the need for permanent irrigation systems. These plants naturally occur or are from climate zones similar to Washington, D.C. and require little soil modification or fertilizer. Once established, they thrive without regular watering, reducing costs associated with irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Air Quality
For the health and wellness of occupants, paints and other wall finishes contain low-volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are chemical compounds emitted as gases from everyday substances such as paint that may have short/long term adverse health effects. Because concentrations of VOCs can be higher indoors, low VOC paints and finishes ensure safe and occupant-friendly spaces.