American University Meltzer Center
Washington, D.C
Merit Award
Sent by: DAVIS construction
Owner: American University
Main design company: Perkins Eastman
General contractor: DAVIS construction
Mechanical and electrical engineer and plumbing and fire protection designer: Henry Adams LLC
Civil Engineer: Wile is human
Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan
Subcontractors: Joseph J. Magnolia Inc.; Master Care Flooring Inc.; Rock Spring Hiring; Windsor Electric Co.; Construction Trades Services Inc.
Positioned for net zero energy performance, the project’s ground-based geothermal system serves its mechanical systems, while a nearly 780,000 kWh solar array is designed to generate more electricity annually than the building consumes. When site constraints limited the capacity of the roof, the panels were extended into the adjacent arena. Stormwater features include more than 18,800 square meters of green roof and bioretention basins designed to capture and absorb all rainfall, earning maximum LEED points and exemplary performance credit.
Native and adaptive landscaping supports pollinators and reduces outdoor water use by 94%, while low-flow fixtures reduce indoor water use by 37%. Lighting fixtures with low backlighting, illumination and glare limit light pollution and protect migratory birds. Recycled materials and the diversion of construction waste exceeding 75% also helped strengthen the sustainability performance.
