Autodesk’s New AEC Division Headquarters Achieves LEED-CI Platinum Certification

PHOENIX -Autodesk, Inc has announced that the interior of its architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) solutions division headquarters in Waltham, Mass., was recently certified LEED-CI Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. The official certificate of recognition will be presented to Autodesk at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2009.

Designed by KlingStubbins, constructed by Tocci Building Corporation, and managed by Jones Lang LaSalle, Autodesk’s Waltham facility was an interior retrofit project of an existing 61,000-square-foot speculative office building that earned 46 LEED credit points, exceeding the 42-credit level required for a Platinum rating. The building also achieved LEED Gold certification for its exterior shell.

To earn LEED Platinum status, project stakeholders implemented sustainable design, digital design-to-fabrication and integrated project delivery (IPD) as part of an overall building information modeling (BIM) process.

Maximizing Daylight Through Building Information Modeling

A crucial component to LEED certification is daylighting, with Platinum certification requirements mandating at least 90 percent of workspaces be illuminated with natural daylight. By linking the building’s Autodesk Revit Architecture 3D model with Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software, KlingStubbins carefully analyzed where daylight would fall within the facility and determined which design option best satisfied the goal. The result is an open, collaborative floor plan with low partitions and individual workstations positioned along the building’s perimeter. Overhead artificial lights in these areas are controlled by daylight sensors that automatically adjust for customized task lighting. Separate control zones for solar exposure enable localized management, while system automation ensures employees receive an even amount of daylight across the building.

“It was clear from the very beginning of the project that designing for a LEED Platinum rating was extremely important for Autodesk,” said Scott Simpson, senior director at KlingStubbins. “Using BIM technology, we modeled the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, natural and artificial lighting levels, and energy consumption to help us achieve this ambitious goal.”

Tocci Building Corporation worked alongside the design team to make the interior’s digital 3D models construction ready. Using Autodesk model-based technology, both architect and contractor were able to graphically depict, analyze and explain optimal solutions -- effectively communicating intent and reducing wasteful reinstallations and change orders.

“Knowledgeable and design-smart owners like Autodesk are often natural collaborators,” said John Tocci, CEO of Tocci Building Corporation. “Autodesk understood the models and our process, so they were poised to help our team troubleshoot and stretch the technology as far as it could go -- and in the process, infuse sustainable building principles and practices throughout the entire project’s execution.”

Managing Systems for a More Energy-Efficient Building

As several of the LEED categories require built-in monitoring and control equipment to encourage sustainable operations, Autodesk incorporated multiple operations systems into the building’s initial design, enabling the company to more accurately measure future energy efficiencies downstream. Leveraging the data-rich 3D models created using Autodesk Revit Architecture during the project’s design, Autodesk now employs an intelligent building management system to modulate lighting, HVAC and sound systems in response to space demand.

“This facility is a touchstone for the AEC industry,” said Phil Bernstein, FAIA, Autodesk vice president of building industry strategy & relations. “Its continuing success proves that integrated green design can carry efficiency throughout a building’s lifecycle. By driving out inefficiencies during the design phase, we were able to reinvest in the project for even greater long-term performance.”

Beyond design applications, the facility earned additional LEED credits for:

* Procurement of renewable energy and its close proximity to essential community services
* Use of 24.5 percent recycled building materials
* EnergyStar-rated equipment and appliances
* Bicycle storage with changing and shower facilities
* Low-flow water fixtures, including dual-flush toilets (to save an estimated 260,000 gallons of water while reducing overall water usage and reliance on municipal service)

In addition, Autodesk continues to supplement energy-efficiency strategies with the purchase of green power.

To further demonstrate its commitment to sustainable technologies and green design within its own organization, Autodesk revitalized its office space in Mclean, Va., achieving LEED Gold certification. Project teams used 17 percent of salvaged materials for this 7,000-square-foot tenant improvement project.