Designed by an American architectural practice Charles Rose Architects Incorporated, the John W. Olver Transit Center is the
US' first net zero energy home in its category. The design and construction of the building embraces several green
initiatives, designed to make the entire building energy efficient. These include real-time energy usage monitoring systems.
The 7,300 square feet area of the centre features ground mounted photovoltaic arrays, which can generate up to 98kW of power.
More power is generated by means of an on-site 750 MBH boiler fueled by wood pellets from sustainable sources. The site
features 22 geothermal wells buried 405 feet deep.
Cooling is provided by means of an active chilled beam system, while the solar wall preheats fresh air by up to 15 degrees in
peak winter. The second stage preheating is provided by the ground source heat pumps.
The building's air handling unit has variable speed fans and energy recovery systems. Power consumption is further reduced by
appropriate location of the windows, clerestory and skylights, which allow permeation of natural light into the building.
Additional power efficiency is delivered by the use of LED light fixtures in the parking lots. The annual energy consumption
of the building is evaluated to be less than 35 kBTU/square feet. To bring about water saving, the building has low-flow
water fixtures, which cutback water consumption by about 35%.
In addition to being transportation hub, he John W. Olver, the Transit Center will also offer community and office space for
the Franklin Regional Transit Authority and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. Upon completion of the Knowledge
Corridor Rail Project, it will also serve as an Amtrak station.
摘自http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/arup_builds_zero_net_energy_transit_center_in_massachusetts_120507/)>http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/arup_