Preserving the Past, Anticipating the Future

116 Pages·2011·5.36 MB·English

22001100
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Preserving the Past, Anticipating the Future
Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Management Report
Contents
The Capitol landscape has evolved Message from the Architect of the Capitol ............................................1
drastically since George Washington
Introduction ..........................................................................................2
laid the cornerstone in 1793. Since
Executive Summary ...............................................................................6
that time, the Architect of the Capitol
Section I: Management Discussion and Analysis .................................10
has served as builder and steward
of these iconic national treasures. Energy Management Focus .......................................................................10
Energy Management Tools and Initiatives ...............................................12
Section II: Performance Information ...................................................24
Preservation and Sustainability Performance and Accomplishments .....24
Energy Efficiency Performance and Accomplishments ...........................43
Goal-Subject Buildings ..............................................................................53
Water Efficiency Performance and Accomplishments .............................58
Water Intensity Reduction Performance ...................................................67
Section III: Jurisdiction Accomplishments and Initiatives ..................68
Capitol Grounds ........................................................................................69
U.S. Capitol Building .................................................................................70
House Office Buildings .............................................................................72
Senate Office Buildings .............................................................................74
Library of Congress ...................................................................................76
Capitol Power Plant ...................................................................................78
United States Botanic Garden ...................................................................79
Office of Security Programs ......................................................................81
Supreme Court of the United States .........................................................83
All photography used in this report Section IV: Looking Ahead ..................................................................86
was provided by the AOC Office of
the Curator – Photography Branch. Appendices ..........................................................................................92
Message from the Architect
On behalf of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, I am pleased to
present Preserving the Past, Anticipating the Future. This report highlights
significant progress and successes in FY 2010 to reduce energy, encourage
a sustainable Capitol and act as responsible stewards for the more than
17.4 million square feet and 450 acres of iconic buildings and grounds
under our care.
Our challenge is unique — how to maintain aging buildings, implement
state-of-the-art technology, and increase responsiveness to environmental,
security and safety considerations in a rich historical setting. This report
describes our achievements in addressing these concerns, while maintaining
fiscal responsibility and helping enable the Legislative process.
The most important point of this report is that we achieved our FY 2010
energy reduction goal of 15 percent by reducing our energy consumption
17 percent under adverse weather conditions. We accomplished this while
“ We achieved
addressing the full range of facility maintenance and asset management
issues attendant with our mission.
our FY 2010
Successfully balancing these responsibilities is a high priority for our agency
energy reduction
and could only be achieved through the dedication of talented professionals
and crafts persons who consistently deliver innovative solutions to help
goal of 15
preserve our buildings and our environment. In this way, we demonstrate
our commitment to federal leadership in serving Congress.
percent.”
Sincerely,

Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP
Architect of the Capitol
May 15, 2011
Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Management Report 1
Introduction
Since 1793, the Architect of the Capitol has served as builder, caretaker and guardian
of the nation’s most significant and iconic buildings. As stewards serving Congress, the
Supreme Court and the American public, the Architect of the Capitol is dedicated to
preserving and enhancing the U.S. Capitol and accomplishing our important historic
mission in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The Agency In the early years, a future-oriented are powerful tools to drive the
vision ensured designing and accomplishment of sustainability
maintains,
building for permanence through goals, overall energy and water
the use of durable, local materials savings and a high return on
rehabilitates,
capable of lasting 100 years or more. investment. This holistic stewardship
renovates and Projects designed and completed approach distinguishes our work
today continue to embody this and ensures that we create value
modernizes
philosophy of “building for the ages,” through transparent, results-oriented
while maintaining the expectations initiatives.
existing structures
of modern comfort practicality and
From project planning and
to the greatest utilizing smart technologies. The
maintenance projects to the act of
Agency maintains, rehabilitates,
extent possible. decorative painting, a dedicated
renovates and modernizes existing
team of professionals supports this
structures to the greatest extent
effort and is joined by highly skilled
possible, always working to maintain
crafts persons who are committed
the delicate balance between
to continuing the “lost” preservation
preservation and modernization.
arts, in addition to providing a
As a national leader in sustainable training ground for traditional trades
and responsible practices, the to ensure a next generation of
Agency understands that historic skilled labor. Nowhere are these arts
preservation, the greenest of the better displayed than in the Capitol
building arts, and stewardship which houses the working seat of
2 www.aoc.gov
For over 200 years, Capitol Hill has submitting budget requests for
played host to throngs of visitors projects, the Agency classifies and
Our Mission
viewing our nation’s most inspiring prioritizes projects and annually
The mission of the Architect
and majestic sites. The Agency is evaluates funding requirements for
of the Capitol is to provide
committed to providing a welcoming, developing its portfolio of projects
Congress and the public a wide
educational and safe environment and meeting project-specific needs.
range of professional expertise
for all visitors.
and services to preserve and
Conservation and
enhance the Capitol complex
the U.S. government and is a much Consumption Focus — and related facilities.
frequented tourist destination. Energy and Water
Our Vision
Serving the dual functions
Conserving energy and water The Architect of the Capitol will
of sustainability and historic
conserves resources. Research on be an innovative and efficient
preservation can pose some
the water-energy nexus has shown team dedicated to service
limitations on what can be achieved
that even independent reductions excellence and to preserving,
in energy and water conservation.
in either water or energy lead to maintaining and enhancing the
However, progressive strategies and
indirect reductions in the other. national treasures entrusted to
measures have been successfully our care.
The added promotion of water
implemented to achieve energy
reduction goals not only affects
reduction objectives. Benchmarking
water conservation, but also energy
and engineering evaluations have
conservation and the associated The Architect of the Capitol is
led us to informed restoration
financial savings as well. focusing on improving its capacity
and rehabilitation of facilities and
to manage and wisely use its water
plans that are harmonious with Energy and water are significant
resources and considers water
preservation. elements that are part of our broader
conservation a key environmental
conservation focus. From building
The program to make the Capitol priority. The Agency places water
standards to maintenance procedures,
more energy and water efficient consumption reduction high on its
the Architect of the Capitol strives to
stresses environmental significance, agenda and is exploring mitigation
improve energy and water efficiency
cost-savings and delivery of measures and identifying, promoting,
and reduce consumption of natural
improved services for constituencies. and implementing water reuse
resources, while respecting the
Guided by the four strategic goals strategies that reduce potable water
environment. Actions to leverage
of its five-year strategy (facilities consumption.
the retention of embodied energy
management, project management,
in buildings and grounds through Plans are in place to assess water
human capital and organizational
careful preservation-oriented usage, potential water conservation
excellence), the Agency prioritizes
maintenance, as opposed to actions, water consumption and
projects through a standardized
disposable architecture, ensure that runoff patterns. The data will inform
process that assesses a project’s
iconic facilities survive in perpetuity. design practices that will maximize
urgency, type and importance for
The result is that future generations water and energy cost savings, and
preservation of historic resources,
can continue to be inspired by, facilitate the application of best
regulatory compliance, mission
learn from, and work in, the same management practices. Specific
accommodation, economics, physical
environment that inspired our action items and recommendations
security, energy and water efficiency
forefathers. include developing a binding water
and environmental quality. Before
reduction goal and target for the
Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Management Report 3
House Office Buildings in the range
of 25 percent to 30 percent, and
supporting funding for water savings
initiatives.
Multi-Faceted and
Efficient Business
Processes
The Architect of the Capitol is
committed to responsible use of
tax dollars in the construction,
operation and maintenance of
Capitol facilities. Its multi-faceted
and efficient business and
operational practices address
sustainable costs and benefits and include a five-part, continuous-cycle, Architect of the Capitol employees
ensure a refined project delivery close-looped process — assessment, consult a blueprint while planning
process that focuses on the highest planning, implementation, outcome a restoration project.
impact at the lowest possible cost. evaluation and reassessment.
• Evaluate the benefits of reusing
Standard business models for all The approach pinpoints deviations; historic buildings versus
construction and renovation projects and identifies, analyzes and corrects constructing new buildings
a problem with a system, product
• Prepare inventories and document
or process.
historic elements in historic
This includes the use of decision structures reports
Assessment
Reassessment making tools to analyze the cost
• Ensure awareness of the condition
of systems over their life span.
of its buildings and properties
It also includes an evaluation
of environmental impacts, non-
• Identify energy and water savings
Planning
economic and societal impacts,
Outcome opportunities and prioritize which
Evaluation and energy and water efficiency
building systems and assets need
across multiple, broad perspective
to be replaced or renewed
stakeholder groups.
Implementation
Planning: The Architect of the
Assessment: This phase includes an
Capitol incorporates best-practice
evaluation and review of the myriad
strategies and tools in its planning
of energy and water options, taking
The Architect of the Capitol’s five- processes and works to ensure that
into account present and future
part continuous cycle ensures we intent and goals are consistent with
focus on the highest outcomes at needs, available technology, and
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and
the lowest possible cost. fiscal responsibility. The Agency’s
Energy Independence and Security
comprehensive assessments:
Act of 2007.
4 www.aoc.gov
1793
1793 — The cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol was laid by President George
Washington in the building’s southeast corner on September 18, 1793, with
Masonic ceremonies.
The Sustainability Framework As both a builder and steward, the
Plan, one of six in the Capitol
Architect of the Capitol undertakes
Complex Master Plan, guides the
Agency’s long-range planning, and
projects that are fiscally responsible.
the determination of facility and
infrastructure opportunities.
Capitol’s processes and projects and services. The Architect of the
Implementation: As both a builder
and the desire for continued Capitol operates this way because it
and steward, the Architect of the
improvement strengthens strategy, makes good business sense, is good
Capitol undertakes projects that are
execution and innovation. This for the environment, and supports
fiscally responsible, communicated
ensures greater awareness of the the objective of ensuring that Capitol
clearly, and implemented safely in
short- and long-term effects of facilities fully support the mission of
a manner that respects the historic
energy, water and preservation Congress and the Supreme Court for
and iconic fabric of the Capitol.
efforts, and documents with certainty decades to come.
The Agency is implementing a broad
that the Agency is obtaining its
set of sustainability and energy and
desired outcomes. Assessing the
water management activities that
implementation of projects creates
protects the environment and natural
efficiencies in work processes and
resources, reduces greenhouse gas
enhances understanding of the
emissions and saves taxpayer dollars.
impacts mid-course decisions may
Outcome evaluation: The Architect have had on a project’s success.
of the Capitol uses industry
These business processes and energy
benchmarks to set goals, measure the
and water conservation initiatives
results of its actions and determine
position historic preservation and
the effectiveness and efficiency of its
stewardship as powerful tools to
work. Outcomes achieved thus far
accomplish sustainability goals
illustrate the Agency’s commitment
across the Architect of the Capitol’s
to constant evaluation of its work
operations (e.g., procurement,
and the benefits provided by a
planning, design, construction,
comprehensive approach to energy
operations and maintenance).
and water management. Knowing
Purchasing sustainable materials,
the impact of capital and human
recycling and innovative energy
resources investments leads to better
and water conservation techniques
decision making on the energy and
contribute to a common goal of
water conservation measures.
saving resources and respecting
Reassessment: The ongoing the environment, while providing A view of the Capitol Dome from the
analysis of the Architect of the exceptional facilities management U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory.
Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Management Report 5
Executive Summary
From the beginning, the Architect of the Capitol has applied ingenuity and
craftsmanship to its work, providing safe, comfortable, efficient and modern building
environments, and preserving history for the American public. From building standards
to maintenance procedures, the Architect of the Capitol, operating under the Capitol
Complex Master Plan, has improved energy and water efficiency, reduced consumption
of natural resources, improved service, and saved taxpayer dollars — all while
respecting the environment.
From the This report highlights FY 2010 • Rely on fact-based prioritization of
significant progress and achievements requirements, use comprehensive
beginning,
in the Architect of the Capitol’s long-range plans and operate
effort to: under a clear vision to improve
the Architect
performance
• Position energy, water and effective
of the Capitol
resource utilization as key business Section I defines the management
has applied imperatives approach and context of
achievements. This section provides
ingenuity and • Develop planning tools and
the criteria and standards used to
business processes to ensure
report and compare results of energy
craftsmanship
that historic preservation and
and water conservation measures
to its work. stewardship opportunities are and performance. Section I also
identified and accomplished
delineates the management structure
sustainably
responsible for maintaining and
operating the facilities, executing
• Evaluate and implement
programs, and interacting with
sustainable and manageable
stakeholders regarding energy,
solutions with high return on
water and sustainability practices.
investment
6 www.aoc.gov
During its 200-year history, the Work continues to be informed
Agency has worked tirelessly to ensure
and guided by the Capitol Complex
that Capitol facilities support the
mission of Congress by providing
Master Plan.
a safe, comfortable, efficient and
modern working environment.
In addition, Section I shows
transformed business practices,
improved project management
policies and increased awareness
of energy and water consumption.
It also features the key management
tools and initiatives and a progressive
approach to historic preservation
and stewardship (e.g., energy
audits and studies, Energy Savings
Performance Contracts, metering
and sub-metering program, facility
condition assessments, Sustainability
Framework Plan, utility tracking and
management program, life cycle
costing software, design standards,
recycling programs, clean fuels
program, refrigerant conversions
and efficiencies, energy management
program, renewable energy, and
biobased procurement).
In Section II, the report highlights
the Architect of the Capitol’s energy
and water efficiency performance to providing a detailed account The Capitol Grounds, designed
and accomplishments, in addition of specific accomplishments by Frederick Law Olmsted, are as
that directly support the energy important to American history as
conservation goal of 30 percent by the U.S. Capitol itself.
The Architect of the Capitol
FY 2015, set forth by Congress in
supports the needs of nearly the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and sustainability within a Capitol
30,000 building occupants and
the Energy Independence and security and historic preservation
millions of tourists who visit
Security Act of 2007. context. The Sustainability, Energy
the Capitol annually, ensuring
and Water Management Plan also
the buildings and grounds
Work continues to be informed and provides an assessment framework
meet modern standards and
guided by the Capitol Complex for determining project return on
preserving the historic legacy
Master Plan and the Sustainability, investment, leveraging outcomes,
of the landmarks entrusted to
Energy and Water Management Plan, and evaluating new opportunities.
its care.
a definitive roadmap that positions
Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Management Report 7
During FY 2010, the Architect of the FY 2010 activities featured additional
completion of energy audits,
Capitol made a 30 percent increase
progression towards cogeneration,
in their alternative fuel vehicle fleet. studies on new technologies,
reduction in carbon emissions,
initiation of a roadmap for storm
water best practices, installation of
storm water filtering smart sponges,
installation of green roofs for the
Hart Senate Office Building and
Dirksen Senate Office Building,
installation and purchase of low
volatile organic compound (VOC)
materials, promotion of bike
sharing, improved management of
construction waste and reductions
in landfill waste.
Section III details jurisdictional
accomplishments in improving the
features of building architecture,
energy efficient upgrades,
improvements to workplace
productivity, expanding metering
and sub-metering capabilities, and a
Key Initiatives and Accomplishments
transition to cleaner fuels for heating.
During FY 2010, the Architect • 932 (36 percent) of AOC
Section IV, Looking Ahead,
of the Capitol made significant employees use mass transit
reconfirms Agency goals to continue
progress on a number of energy,
its focus on historic preservation
• 127 out of 2600 AOC employees
water and sustainability initiatives:
participate in the telework and stewardship, commitment to
• A 30 percent increase in the program responsible use of tax dollars, and
AOC alternative fuel vehicle fleet its holistic approach to project
• Two employees obtained
(currently consists of 60 E-85 management. This section also
Corporate Social Responsibility
electric, and hybrid powered provides details about future plans
Practitioner (CSR-P) certifications
vehicles) on the use of new technologies,
• Completed the Historic expanding sub-metering capabilities,
• Installed over 125 water filtration
Preservation Guide for the completing additional historic
units in Member Offices, resulting
Longworth House Office Building preservation guideline documents,
in more space for staff and
reduced operational costs and and are on track for production establishing a new division that will
of 19 more guides
plastic bottle waste oversee sustainability initiatives, and
other forward-looking actions.
• Completed a carbon footprint
• Expanded recycling efforts with
baseline
49 new recycling containers on
the Capitol Grounds
8 www.aoc.gov