The University of Cincinnati’s College of Law is a top 100 Law School in the United States. As the UC College of Law has continued to grow, so has the need for more academic space. With this need for more space, the University decided to move the College of Law from its existing undersized location on the north edge of campus to the recently vacated UC Lindner College of Business building on the southern edge main campus. The project renovated, expanded and upgraded the existing 105,000 SF, six-story structure, that was built in 1985, into the new home of the Taft College of Law. The University committed $35 million dollars for this project.
Beyond the architectural modifications required for the building, the University required all new and highly energy efficient building systems to be part of the new project. CMTA worked closely with the architect to come up with high performance modifications to existing walls and windows. New energy recovery systems were added to the HVAC system, along with Bi Polar Ionization. Thermal scanning of the existing envelope targeted leaks and building infiltration requirements were integrated into the new and renovated portions of the building. High efficiency lighting systems were utilized to operate at 50% below code minimum. With a current EUI of 228, we have estimated the renovated building will operate with an EUI of 70, a 300% improvement.
