Southern Arkansas University Science Center Wins ASHRAE Technology Award

WER is pleased to announce that the Southern Arkansas University Science and Technology Center is the 2013 recipient of the ASHRAE Regional Technology Award. The 61,000 square-foot Science and Technology Center earned first place out of seven entries in the New Educational Facilities category at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Arkansas Chapter competition. The Science and Technology Center went on to receive a regional ASHRAE Technology Award for Outstanding Application of Technology for the innovative and energy efficient HVAC lab design. The region comprises of 15 chapters in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico.

The facility is equipped with an energy recovery air-handling unit, which allows the building to run more efficiently by exchanging heat and moisture between the exhaust air and outside air. The building also features hydronic systems and complete DDC controls in the HVAC system – this allows the lights, air and laboratory hoods to be automatically turned off when not in use.

In January, the Southern Arkansas University Science and Technology Center will compete in the Society Level against projects from around the globe.

The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and IAQ. Performance is proven through one year’s actual, verifiable operating data.