Erdman Anthony provided energy analysis and commissioning (Cx) services for a new four-story 77,687-square-foot net-zero energy-ready residence hall at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York. In 2020, the building became the first of its kind in the State University of New York system. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York chose Erdman Anthony’s energy professionals to perform a design-phase energy analysis and serve as the Cx authority for Hilltop Hall’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The project is part of achieving the school’s strategic energy goals and meeting New York state's energy mandates. During the design phase and continuing through the first year of operation, Erdman Anthony’s scope for the project included: • Energy analysis for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Commercial New Construction Program (NCP) • Cx of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems • Review of the geothermal installation • Enclosure (envelope) Cx • Performance verification and monitoring-based Cx
The commissioned systems associated with the facility were verified for complete and proper functioning prior to occupancy. The residence hall operates continuously during the academic year, with a 50% reduction in occupancy during the summer session. The team analyzed the energy savings associated with various high-efficiency systems, including: • A ground-source heat pump variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, which was served by a ground-source heat pump dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) • A water-to-water heat pump domestic hot water system • Demand controlled ventilation (DCV) using carbon dioxide sensors • High-efficiency LED interior lighting with daylighting controls and occupancy sensing • High-efficiency LED exterior and site lighting • High-efficiency building envelope and fenestration • High-efficiency kitchen equipment and power reduction using plug-load controls in the office spaces
In summary, Hilltop Hall is designed to produce the same amount of energy as it consumes, thereby reducing its carbon footprint.
Providing energy analysis and Cx services for the first net-zero energy-ready residence hall in the SUNY system has helped highlight the advantages of building facilities that exceed existing energy codes.