SMUD Customer Service Center

This project was specifically designed to use the abundant California sunshine as a primary light source and incorporated a significant level of energy efficient features into the design which have make this project an exemplary example of the positive benefits and results that can be achieved when architectural design incorporates environmental and humanistic features.

Energy Efficiency Through Lighting Features:
A number of energy efficient lighting products and techniques were used to reduce the lighting power density to well below that allowed by the California Energy Code also while increasing employee control over the lighting conditions in their work space. Lighting and control features included direct/indirect lighting, energy efficient lighting, architectural daylighting, task lighting, and the use of energy management (automated) systems.

Specific features include:

Suspended linear fluorescent luminaries that distribute light evenly across the ceiling while directly lighting work surfaces.
T8 florescent lamps powered by electronic dimming ballast as primary light sources. Luminare-mounted photo sensor signal ballast to dim electric lighting continuously in response to available daylight.
Large windows, light shelves, and skylights admit controlled daylight into the open offices, while operable blinds and louvers provide additional glare control when needed. Lighting is controlled by architectural design for day lighting which limits how much sunlight and heat enter the building. The entire top floor of the building is skylit and glass walls in the entry lobby act as a huge terrarium. Dual glazed windows with an opaque skin block direct solar gain along facades.
Low-power, adjustable task lights are used in individual workstations. Employees can move their adjustable-arm task lights to supplement ambient light levels in their workstations. These lights are appreciated by employees, and when used in conjunction with skylights, are only needed a small percentage of the time.
A programmable energy management system can switch ambient office lighting to accommodate flexible work schedules. Lights in copy rooms and private offices are automatically switched off after occupants leave the room. Photo sensor-controlled electronic dimming ballasts are used in open office spaces which save approximately 8 percent during core office hours.

Energy Efficiency Through Cooling / Heating Features:
Design features which were incorporated to reduce energy consumption and to improve working environment include:

Groves of native redwood trees filter sunlight into the 3-story glass wall lobby area, reducing the amount of solar gain in the warm summer months.
The large main entryway remains open during desirable weather, which provides natural ventilation.
Large panels in the entryway floor use radiant heat to warm pedestrians passing over them.
A central mechanical plant and indirect evaporative and night cooling are utilized to maximize energy efficiency, coupled with thermal energy storage for lower power consumption and peak shift.
Operable windows were included to reduce air conditioning loads.
Diffusers were used to disperse ventilation across surfaces.

Energy Efficiency Through Transit Friendly Design:
The campus master plan was designed to support a pedestrian connection to a Light Rail Station and thus encourage use of the transit system.

The site design and transportation management program significantly lowered the parking ratio below community standards. Also, encouraging alternative transportation modes and ride sharing.

Energy Efficiency Through Design:
Space programming focused on an open space plan to maximize day lighting with storage and meeting areas in the interior core and offices located at the perimeter.

Stairways were oriented toward the grove to encourage stairway, rather than elevator use, which is an energy reducing design feature.

Interior space design utilized state-of-the-art workplace ergonomics including worker accessible controls for outdoor (operable windows) and indoor air flow, indoor air temperature, lighting, and access to varied work environments beyond the usual cubicle environment.

Worker satisfaction was significant and absenteeism dropped by 33 percent after move in to the new building.

The primary energy systems were designed to optimize the integration of commercial energy technologies. As a result, energy usage was 34 percent below the Title 24 energy criteria goal.

In addition, the orientation and shading of the building allowed optimum day lighting and heat gain, occupancy sensors were used to lower power use when an area is not occupied, and a Programmable Energy Management System was employed.

The maximum LPD for all conditioned space in the building is 0.87 W/ft2 but during core office hours this drops to 0.58 Wft2.

In conclusion, this project incorporated a wide variety of techniques, products, and design features, to create a building and campus facility that would exceed the norms for energy efficiency while creating a work environment whose benefits to employees would prove to be positive and healthful. This project has been recognized for its excellence in design by the American Institute of Architects, Central Valley Chapter (Citation Award); American Planning Association, Sacramento Valley Section (Innovative Use of Technology Award); and by the Portland Concrete Association (Concrete Building Award).

According to a recent study on the project conducted by the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., the lighting system installed at the 184,000 square foot facility reduces the lighting power density to 0.87 watts/square foot (0.58 during work hours), generating an annual savings of $56,328 in energy costs.

In addition, a review conducted by SMUD officials in February 1998 showed a reduction of 27 percent in employee sick days, representing savings of $260,000 over one year and a gain worth five times that of the energy savings.