WEI constructed with a $57,153,600 budget will help the University develop novel technologies to meet the pressing national need of creating renewable energy in a sustainable and economically viable manner. Primary occupants of the building will be the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI) whose focus is converting plant biomass into ethanol and other clean, renewable motor fuels. Space will also be created to promote development of other renewable technologies. The WEI building is located at 1552 University Ave., the site of the old University Health Building. When fully funded in a future phase, WEI will consist of an approximately 200,000 GSF building to support administrative, research and outreach activities.
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Budget
| Total | $57,153,600 |
| Construction | $47,792,534 |
| A/E & Other Fees | $5,029,478 |
| FF&E | $2,033,000 |
| Contingency | $222,443 |
| DFD Fee | $1,926,700 |
| Haz Mat | $149,445 |
| Sources | |
| GFSB | $52,232,841 |
| Gifts | $4,576,000 |
| PR Utilities | $344,759 |
Timeline
| A/E Selection | 05/2009 |
| Planning | 04/2008 – 12/2008 |
| Programming | 06/2009 – 08/2009 |
| 10% Concept Report | 08/2009 – 10/2009 |
| 35% Design Report | 11/2009 – 06/2010 |
| Construction Documents | 08/2010 – 05/2011 |
| Bid Date | 11/2010 – 06/2011 |
| Construction | 12/2010 – 11/2012 |
| Substantial Completion | 12/2012 |
| Occupancy | 01/2013 |
Key Stakeholders
| Occupants | Wisconsin Energy Institute |
| User Reps | Various |
| UW PM | Pete Heaslett |
| DFD PM | Rex Loker |
| A/E | Potter Lawson Inc. |
| Design Arch. | Potter Lawson Inc./ HOK |
| Landscape Arch. | Ken Saiki Design |
| Structural Engr. | Arnold & O’Sheridan Inc. |
| CM | Mortenson Construction |
| Plumbing | Hooper Corp. |
| Mechanical | North American Mechanical |
| Fire Protection | J.F. Ahern Corp. |
| Electrical | Pieper Electric, Inc. |
Area Data
| GSF | 107,000 |
| ASF | 60,000 |
| Efficiency | 56.07% |
| Construction $/GSF | $47.00 |
| Total Project $/GSF | $446.66 |
- LEED Gold
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy & Atmosphere
- Materials & Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Quarterly Report Project PDF
The Wisconsin Energy Institute is within walking distance of 14 basic services such as fitness facilities, grocery stores, and medical facilities which contributes to community connectivity and decreases the need for automotive transportation. Bike racks located around the building can accommodate 66 bicycles and the building is equipped with shower and changing facilities to promote alternative transportation. 69% of the project site is vegetated open space which promotes biodiversity and recreation, reduces urban heat island effect, and aids natural storm water management.
Bottle fillers within the building encourage reusing water bottles and also display the number of bottles saved with each fill. Additionally, the site is fitted with vegetation that requires no irrigation. These elements all contribute to LEED credits towards water efficiency.
Wisconsin Energy Institute uses 36% less energy compared to the model code. Chilled beams reduce energy consumption more efficiently by cooling spaces with liquid, rather than conditioning air. A heat recovery chiller transfers energy from exhaust air streams back into the supply air stream. Ozone-depleting CFC-based refrigerants are not used. Furthermore, 0.5% of the building electrical load is provided by roof-mounted photovoltaics.
Recycling and reuse of materials is important within the WEI. 95% of construction demolition waste was diverted from landfills. Additionally, door frames from the original site have been reused in other construction projects and materials ordered for the building were preferred to be regional. Waste disposal within the building is separated to encourage occupants to recycle.
Ash trays outside the building are not within 25 feet of any entrance in order to preserve indoor air quality. Also, low-emitting paints, sealants, adhesives, carpets and furnishings are used inside. 90% of occupant spaces will have natural daylight and outdoor views promote occupants’ productivity, comfort and well-being. Finally, a thermal comfort survey will be given to occupants to assess their satisfaction and pinpoint any post-occupancy issues.