New Science Laboratory

Wheaton College wanted to provide their students and faculty with a state-of-the-art science facility for academic instruction and faculty research. A new 128,000-sf facility was built and includes all disciplines of the science curriculum at Wheaton College.

The building houses chemistry, environmental science, physics, biology, geology, math, and computer science departments with specific labs for anatomy, physics/chemistry, NMR, plasma lab, aquatics lab, vivarium, and an observatory. A museum and a 144-seat auditorium are featured, as well as office and classroom space.

The project achieved LEED NC version 2.2 Gold certification. IMEG provided fundamental commissioning of the HVAC, domestic hot water, and lighting controls.

The mechanical system utilizes two types of energy recovery for lab exhaust and general exhaust. General exhaust energy is recovered using energy recovery wheels and fume exhaust energy is recovered using pumped coils. The design incorporates variable air volume (VAV) air handling units along with a VAV fume exhaust air system. To further reduce annual energy consumption, occupancy overrides are used to reduce ventilation rates to individual spaces during unoccupied times.

IMEG worked closely with the owner and the controls contractor throughout testing. The extensive VAV fume hood system was tested 100%. Special attention was paid to laboratory pressure controls and overall building pressure.