Forging ahead on its path to sustainable operations, ASHRAE is renovating its Atlanta-based headquarters. The facility will feature two separate HVAC systems among its new features, all of which are designed to allow the facility to serve as a living lab.

Level one of the building will feature air-cooled, multi-split, variable refrigerant flow-fan coil units with zoned, inverter-driven outdoor heat pumps. Level two will feature ground-source, direct expansion heat pumps for cooling and heating. Both systems will use a common dedicated outside air system, served by a 100% outside air unit with an energy recovery wheel, a series desiccant dehumidification wheel, electrostatic enhanced filters and DX air-cooled R410 multi-stage compressor/condensers.

“The living lab will support the ASHRAE research program with a rich resource of data on building, system and equipment performance, a demonstration of performance monitoring and space for real-world investigations in an operating building,” said Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president-elect, who serves as chair of the committee overseeing the project.

The renovation is expected to be completed in June 2008, at an estimated cost of $5.4 million and will feature a new learning center. Complete information on the renovation can be found at www.ashrae.org/building . ASHRAE also plans to apply for a LEED Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.