Specifications include, but are not limited to: Universal Design. The building and the public realm are to be designed to exceed current ADA standards when and where appropriate and in accordance with Universal Design principles in order to foster an inclusive environment for all users. Health and Wellbeing. The building shall promote the health and wellbeing of the occupants by providing excellent indoor air quality and daylight and by eliminating the use of toxic and hazardous materials. Materials. Seek to utilize low embodied energy and low carbon materials to construct the building and public realm. Review energy inputs and carbon emissions associated with the extraction, manufacturing, and transport of the materials. Climate. The design of the building and public realm shall minimize heat islands and heat gain and maximize human comfort, including outdoor thermal comfort. The outdoor spaces shall be designed to maximize thermal comfort in all seasons using appropriate planting, shading, outdoor building materials, and placement of outdoor gathering spaces. Energy Usage. To meet the aggressive institutional targets outlined in the Climate Action Commitment (CAC) the project shall seek to eliminate on-site consumption of fossil fuels, for fully electric new construction. Energy usage is to be minimized through careful analysis of the building envelope, systems, lighting, plug loads, and equipment. Energy usage reduction shall be balanced against accommodation of programmatic needs and standards. Mechanical Equipment, Passive Systems, and Building Automation Systems. Mechanical equipment, passive systems, and building automation systems are to be designed and selected to meet the aggressive institutional targets outlined in the CAC, as well as accommodating performance requirements, and to optimize total costs of ownership inclusive of energy costs and operations and maintenance costs. System selections are to be justified based on a 30-year economic life cycle analysis. Mechanical equipment will be covered and secured to maximize equipment life and service. Resiliency. The building systems shall be designed for maximum resiliency, taking into consideration the potential for power loss, flooding, and extreme weather. Building spaces are to be designed for flexibility. Ceiling Heights and Acoustics. Ceiling heights and acoustical strategies should be appropriate for proper sound attenuation in all spaces. Ceiling heights should also be appropriate for mechanical requirements and are to consider long term flexibility. All-Gender Restroom. Each facility, the new and the renovated, shall provide at least one all-gender restroom on each main floor and one on each floor as appropriate. Refer to Virginia Tech Design and Construction Standards. Lactation Room. A lactation room shall be included in each facility at a location that is readily accessed, securable, and comfortable. Refer to Virginia Tech Design and Construction Standards.
