Building owners are becoming more energy conscious than ever. Design teams have been challenged to come up with new and innovative designs that consume little to no energy (Zero Energy Buildings). VBFA recently had the opportunity to design two Zero Energy Fire Stations for Salt Lake City.
The HVAC mechanical design included high-efficiency, water-to-water heat pumps coupled with a ground source heat exchanger. The heat pumps provided hot water, chilled water, and domestic water for the building demand needs. Energy recovery technology was utilized to minimize energy consumption to treat the required outside air. Solar PV arrays were designed to offset the electrical consumption of the all-electric mechanical system.
Utilizing high-efficiency, water-to-water heat pumps coupled with a ground source heat exchanger, an energy recovery system, solar PV arrays, a high-performance building envelope, etc., the design team was able to achieve the Zero Energy performance for both Fire Stations. Salt Lake City Fire Station No. 14 was the nation’s first Zero Energy Fire Station, and has been recognized through several awards since its completion.
Jake Beck, P.E.
Principal Mechanical Engineer
