ALCOSAN Environmental Compliance Facility
The Environmental Compliance Facility is a state-of-the-art laboratory, office, and parking complex designed to support ALCOSAN’s $2 billion Clean Water Plan. The facility reimagines laboratory operations to better address evolving environmental testing needs.
It combines sustainable design, innovative technology, and operational flexibility, expanding ALCOSAN’s capacity and providing a forward-thinking solution for the Authority’s future requirements.
Awards:
- Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, Environmental Project of the Year Award, 2024
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Size:
54,000-SF Environmental Compliance Facility and 170,000-SF Parking Garage
Services:
Architecture
Interior Design
Building Systems Engineering
Planning + Project Services
Security Risk Management
Year / Status
2024
Completed
Reimaging Laboratory Operations
The design was driven by a commitment to not just replace outdated laboratory facilities but to re-imagine the future of laboratory operations. The facility integrates cutting-edge technologies, including modular, flexible laboratory design to support future testing protocols. It introduces automated processes and digital equipment to enhance operational efficiency. By considering the evolving nature of ALCOSAN’s environmental testing needs, the design delivers a facility capable of adapting to future challenges and innovations.
Integrated Sustainable Design
The ECF prioritizes sustainable design with a range of features aimed at reducing environmental impact. The building includes a green roof, LED lighting, and enhanced daylighting, which reduce energy consumption and improve the building’s environmental footprint.
Ultraefficient HVAC systems are incorporated, including systems that adjust airflow in real-time based on occupancy, maximizing energy efficiency. To minimize electrical demands, the design utilized direct expansion cooling instead of an air-cooled chiller. Hot water ceiling-mounted radiant panels supplement the heating system for the perimeter office areas, ensuring energy-efficient temperature control.
These features not only contribute to the building’s sustainability but also provide a cost-effective solution that supports ALCOSAN’s long-term operational needs while remaining mindful of the facility’s economic sustainability.
The design of the ALCOSAN Environmental Compliance Facility was featured at the 2022 International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) Conference in Pittsburgh.
“We inaugurated our state-of-the-art Environmental Compliance Facility (ECF) building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This is a significant step forward in our mission to enhance water quality in our region, ensuring a healthier environment for all. We extend a special thank you to AE Works for their invaluable innovation and unwavering support on this journey. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing the ECF to life.”
- Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN)
The Engineers' Society of Western PA has recognized the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) Environmental Compliance Facility as Environmental Project of the Year.