The newly complete School of Medicine Research Building was designed by SRG in order to attract and retain senior research faculty for the University’s new medical school, which aims to enroll students by Fall 2012. Design goals for the building sought to provide highly efficient, flexible research lab space that would exceed the energy savings of typical research labs. Sustainable features include ample daylighting, a night flush/mass cooling system, chilled beams in labs to optimize ventilation rates, and a dynamic shade control system that auto-adjusts to sun conditions. A projected Energy Use Intensity of 128Kbtu/yr/sf establishes a current benchmark for university research labs. Awarded by R&D Magazine's 2012 Lab of the Year competition with a Special Mention award for sustainability, the Research Building uses at least 30% less energy than the levels defined by ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and California’s Title 24. It was recently awarded LEED Gold and is the University’s first LEED-registered project.

Recognition

• R&D Magazine Lab of the Year, Special Mention for Sustainability, 2012
• Riverside Beautification Award, 2012
• California Higher Education Sustainability Conference, Best Practice Award for Overall Sustainable Design, 2011
• Savings by Design Energy Efficiency Integration Awards, Award of Citation, 2011
• AIA Portland Award of Merit, 2011