Portland, ME – Consigli Construction Co., Inc. of Portland has completed extensive renovations to the University of Maine at Orono’s Aubert Hall, implementing several upgrades which will allow the laboratory building to operate with much improved efficiency.
The two-phase project was completed in consecutive phases, with much of the work performed during aggressive summer schedules.
Phase 1 consisted of a complete renovation to convert existing obsolete laboratory space into the new Marine Sciences Laboratory, which included installation of new lab casework, fume hoods and cold room for marine specimen storage.
Phase 2, the larger of the two phases, focused on architectural improvements on each of the building’s four floors and complete renovation to three existing science laboratories. New casework and low volume fume hoods were part of the scope, as was the addition of a new mechanical penthouse and new double-pane Low-E energy efficient windows throughout the entire building.
As part of an overall energy efficiency plan, the team installed new mechanical systems throughout the building and improved indoor air quality by introducing 100% fresh, outside air to all laboratory spaces.
The new fume hoods help to reduce heating and cooling by up to 40%, thanks to reduced fan power energy consumption. An Energy Recovery System was incorporated into the HVAC system, reducing heating and cooling exhaust energy by up to 30%. Laboratories are fitted with occupancy sensors, helping to further reduce energy consumption when labs are not in use, and fans are equipped with variable speed drives to modulate laboratory air flows based on ventilation air demands.
The project architect is WBRC Architects and Engineers in Bangor.
