A number of innovative technologies were integrated into the renovation to meet our conservation goals.

Solar Power

Both active and passive solar systems were added to the building. The active system is made up of a 30kW array of photovoltaic panels employing both Uni-Solar thin-film panels and Kyocera multi-crystalline modules affixed to the roof. Electricity from these panels supplements the energy supplied by U-M's cogeneration power plant.

Our passive solar system includes a 4,000 square-foot atrium skylight that was designed to provide daylight to much of the building, while shades on the south side of the skylight help keep the building cool during the summer months.

Skylight covers old courtyard, 4,000 square foot atrium skylight, Uni-Solar thin-film panels and Kyocera multi-crystalline modules

Lighting

The skylight that covers the old courtyard brings daylight into interior workspaces. This allows many faculty, staff, and students to work without artificial light.

Fluorescent light fixtures were installed throughout the building. They are much more efficient in the conversion of electricity into light than incandescent or halogen lamps, and do not give off heat like other lights.

The lighting systems can also be adjusted according to the task at hand. Most office and classroom lighting is sensor-activated, so the lights turn off when a room is unoccupied.

Sensor activated flourescent light fixtures

Radiant Cooling System

A radiant cooling system where cold water runs through copper pipes at the ceiling level was added to the building. The cold water acts as a heat sink for the warm air in the room, thereby replacing the air in the traditional forced air system. This translates into substantial energy savings, as water is about three times more efficient than air as a heat transfer medium. It is also a lot healthier and quieter than traditional forced-air systems or less-efficient wall-unit air conditioners.

Insulation

Existing exterior walls consisted of uninsulated masonry. Each of these walls was built out with steel studs and then insulated on the interior saving energy on heating and cooling.

Controllability of Systems

All mechanical and electrical systems can be tailored to meet the needs of individual work spaces through Direct Digital Control. These controls display the status of all systems and also call attention to any problems, leaks, shortages, etc.

Water Conservation

Several methods are used to conserve water throughout the Dana Building.

Water faucets are sensor-activated, eliminating the possibility that water will be left running when not in use.

All plumbing fixtures installed in the Dana Building are low-flow, and the men's restrooms incorporate waterless urinals.

Three composting toilets were also installed. Composting toilets allow human waste to undergo microbial decomposition in the self-contained system, creating a safe-to-handle compost "tea" as well as solid compost. Both products can be used as plant fertilizer and soil amendments, completing a nutrient cycle.

Sensor-activated water faucets, Low-flow plumbing fixtures, Composting toilet

Green Landscaping

All plants selected for the restoration of the Dana landscape are native to the Northeast/Midwest and many are native to Southern Michigan.

Native plants are adapted to our soils and climate and these plants have been selected with consideration for the microclimates that exist within the project site. This creates a water efficient landscape, reducing the need for irrigation. Native plants also provide local habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals.

Ozark Witchhazel, Butterfly Milkweed and Virginia Strawberry
Species representative of woodland ecosystems are included in the shady and dry areas while the sunny and dry areas include species representative of prairie ecosystems.

Plants were also selected with educational and demonstration purposes in mind and will provide a continuous show of color and beauty throughout the year.