Eugene’s innovative 275,000 square-foot federal Courthouse has been awarded LEED Gold-certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. 
It is constructed using environmentally friendly materials, as well as using energy efficient building systems, thus dramatically reducing energy usage.

The Courthouse stands 5-stories tall, with parking located underground. It houses six courtrooms, judicial chambers, numerous offices, including offices for U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. attorney, two U.S. Senators and one member of the U.S. House of Representatives.                               

The BACnet-based Alerton system controls 11 HuntAir custom air handling units with innovative Fan Wall Technology, 3 Chillers, 4 boilers, pumps, 147 under-floor VAV boxes, 32 fan-coil units, radiant floor heating and cooling in lobby areas, carbon monoxide control in the parking garage, and occupancy sensing.

Environmental Controls specializes in integration of mechanical equipment and controls into a seamless automation system. In the Courthouse the Alerton system is integrated into 35 ABB native BACnet VFDs, 3 York BACnet chillers, and 4 Aerco boilers with Modbus connections for all scheduling functions, maintenance and emergency warnings plus energy management.  This assures proper ventilation and occupant comfort while using as little energy as possible.

A low-velocity under floor air-distribution system serves a majority of spaces, including the six courtrooms, providing occupants with control over the thermal conditions in their spaces.  This system provides more efficient air-conditioning, uses less fan power, and provides lower energy use than a conventional overhead ductwork system.

During the summer, to minimize the need for mechanical cooling, all indoor air is purged from the building at night and replaced with cooler nighttime air. A displacement air delivery system allows for a smaller mechanical system, and the design team optimized efficiency at average loads instead of peak loads.  High efficiency, variable-speed motors further improve the mechanical system’s efficiency.  Heating and cooling is supplied through a radiant-floor system, which is especially beneficial, given the buildings high ceilings.

Commissioning played an even larger role in the project design due to both LEED requirements and the nature of the tenants and sensitive documents in the building.  Access was restricted once the building became occupied, emphasizing the importance for a complete and thorough testing of building systems rather than just individual pieces of equipment.

The Courthouse is a great example of a Green project that is both energy efficient and provides a secure and comfortable environment for its tenants and visitors.