Health Education Center

Underfloor radiant heat and natural ventilation

Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation are projected to be about 65% of building energy consumption.

The building is heated and cooled by water flowing through Polyethylene Cross-Linked tubing (PEX) in the concrete floor. The floor is a high-mass building component which stores and distributes heat evenly and efficiently.

The building is naturally ventilated, with the exception of some small interior office and building support spaces. This greatly reduces the fan energy required to bring in fresh air and distribute conditioned air. A fluid dynamics study was conducted to understand how the building mass would retain heat, and how the flow of air through the building would dispose of heat. Insulation, energy efficient windows, shading devices on windows, and nearby trees reduce heat gain.

An earth tube cools the air as it enters the gymnasium. Warm air rises, and exits through the monitor dampers at the roof. The building controls system opens and closes windows and dampers throughout the building when it senses that ventilation is required to maintain comfort. Occupants can open and close windows at floor level.

A commissioning agent worked with the contractor and mechanical engineer to ensure the systems are working as designed for energy efficiency.

Energy efficient lighting and daylighting

Lighting is projected to be about 24% of building energy consumption.

The architect analyzed a model of the building in a lighting lab, to get the most out of natural lighting.

Tacoma Public Utilities provided a financial incentive to Pierce College for the energy efficient lighting system in the gymnasium.

The monitors in the gymnasium and windows throughout the building provide generous light during the day. If there is sufficient daylight, the lighting controls turn the lights off.

Reduced hot water use

Domestic hot water is projected to be about 5% of building energy consumption. 

Low flow showers and automatic faucets reduce the use of hot water. Efficient hand dryers are convenient, and save both energy and paper.

A high–efficiency front loading washing machine uses less hot water and does a better job of getting towels clean. The spin cycle gets more water out of the towels, so they take less time and use less energy in the dryer.

Plug loads

Devices purchased by the college and by the students are projected to be 6% of building energy consumption.

Most of the exercise equipment, such as the stepper and the cycle, use kinetic energy to power the display. Only the treadmills use electricity from an outlet.

Building occupants can save energy by considering energy use when making purchases. Computers and other devices labeled “Energy Star” are good choices.