A Leed Platinum sustainable buildingSustainable development could be defined as a self-sufficient project capable of meeting current and future demand without compromising future resources. Sustainable development can be defined as the Research Support Center in Golden, Colorado. This ultra-high performance building incorporates several design innovations, renewable strategies and excellent performance, so high that it will consume only 50% of the energy it would use if designed using traditional methods. This sustainable development, owned by the U.S. Department of Energy, has also been LEED Platinum certified for new construction by the U.S. Green Building Council. More than 220,000 square feet of high-performance and cutting-edge technologies have been combined to produce this sustainable development which is expected to be completed by 2011. Sustainable development: RSFC project teamThis sustainable development was built by a team of excellent entrepreneurs and design professionals. Led by Colorado-based Haselden Construction, teaming with Stantec and RNL Design, the team won a competition for a $64 million sustainability project. Using a design-build approach, the team planned an innovative approach using integrated design and thorough planning, reducing construction risks and costs. The final team was formed by: Contractor: Haselden Construction Architects: RNL Design Interior Design: RNL Design Mechanical Engineer: Stantec Consulting Structural Engineer: KL&A Engineering, Golden Office Electrical Engineer: Stantec Consulting Civil Engineer: Martin / Martin, Inc. Owner: US Dept. of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado. Architect: RNL, DenverMEP engineer: Stantec, San FranciscoCivil engineer: Martin / Martin, Lakewood, Colorado. Structural engineer: KL & A, DenverDesign-build contractor: Haselden Construction, Centennial, Colorado. Subcontractors: Trautman & Shreve (mechanical), Denver; Weifield Group (electrical), Denver; Rocky Mountain Prestress (precast concrete), Denver; JR Butler (glazing), Denver; OfficeScapes (modular furniture), Denver; Paxton & Vierling Steel (steel manufacturer), Carter Lake, Iowa; Architectural Energy Corp. (LEED, Daylighting and Commissioning Consultant), Boulder, Colorado; Technology Plus (IT and AV consultant), Aurora, Colorado.Sustainability FeaturesThis 220,000 sustainability was able to highlight these amazing features:1. Building Orientation – This sustainable H-shaped development maximizes north-south exposure. It provides ample natural light and natural ventilation almost everywhere in the building. The 25% window-to-wall ratio, after extensive modeling and cost analysis, helps regulate interior temperatures.2. Thermal Mass and Thermal Maze – A solid concrete basement will either release heat during the winter months or release cool air to reduce high summer temperatures. The massive S-shaped basement will direct air through labyrinths on two floors and down into ventilation ducts. The northern part of this sustainable development will be used for heating, while the southern part will be used for both heating and cooling..