The new Field Headquarters building for the Massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Wildlife in Westborough is a testament to how innovative architectural design can be paired with renewable energy technology to achieve a near symbiotic result.
The 45,000 square foot building is located at the former site of the former Fish & Wildlife Field Headquarters (also the former Lyman School) in Westborough. The building achieved Net Zero Energy design through the implementation of a 290 kW rooftop PV system, geothermal heat pumps, radiant heating and cooling, high quality building envelope design and materials, storm water management, and a state of the art building management system. With an anticipated energy usage of 22.6 kBtu/sq. ft, the building is expected to receive LEED Gold certification.
Solar Design Associates partnered with Architerra Inc, of Boston MA to design the rooftop PV system using high efficiency SunPower PV modules supplied by Ross Solar of Worcester, MA and installed by Griffin Electric of Holliston, MA. The PV system is expected to generate 370 MWhr per year with the annual building loads anticipated to be 303 MWhr per year, resulting in a net positive electrical export to the utility grid. Not only does the new building cover its own needs, but it actually helps power the neighbors as well!
The project will be submitted to SunPower for consideration of their Intelegant Award which recognizes solar PV systems that exemplify SunPowers commitment to excellence in aesthetics, quality, and performance. Installations are evaluated and awarded based on the quality of the design and installation, as well as overall customer satisfaction. Solar Design Associates has previously won the award in 2012.
