SWACO Phase 1 Maintenance Expansion

DLZ performed an extensive site building assessment study on the existing conditions at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio’s landfill site in Grove City, Ohio. This study analyzed the existing site’s building capacity and masterplan program of space, vehicular access, jurisdictional permitting process, utility capacity and required utility upgrades. DLZ presented several alternatives and described the scope of each option, including the codes and regulations for each alternative. Also included was proposed renderings of each option, construction cost estimation and pros/cons of each option.

After performing the site building assessment study, DLZ was selected by SWACO to design a new, environmentally sustainable administration building and adjoining vehicle maintenance facility using a construction manager at risk delivery system. The administration building includes an expanded parts area, offices, training rooms, break area, and locker rooms. The new vehicle maintenance building is comprised of three large work bays, a facility maintenance garage, and a large equipment wash bay. This new construction serves to replace the existing offices and vehicle maintenance facility located east of the project site, which is scheduled to be demolished to make room for future expansion of the landfill. The facility has been designed to meet a LEED Silver rating, with the possibility of achieving LEED Gold.

For this project DLZ aimed to use strategies that would reduce SWACO’s impact on the surrounding site and implement building systems that produce and use clean energy. These systems have the added benefit of cost savings on monthly utility bills, as energy production can occur on site and demand is lessened.

Solar thermal is an example of one system that was used, collecting solar heat gain which can then be used to heat the new maintenance facility.

• The solar thermal system helps with:
• Heating for radiant floor system in maintenance bays
• Reduced energy cost for building heating
• Producing very little to no pollutants, such as toxic chemicals or greenhouse gases

Photovoltaic panels, which are located on the roof of the maintenance bays, storage building, and staff parking canopy, serve to collect solar energy for immediate use on the site or to be sold back to the grid. This system benefits SWACO by:

• Reducing reliance on the power grid
• Producing cost savings of roughly $80,000 per year in energy generation

Air and environmental quality were two other important factors considered in the design. Sustainable buildings with good indoor environmental quality protect the health and comfort of building occupants. Strategies that enhance air and environmental quality that were incorporated into the project are:

• Separation of Administration building and Maintenance areas into different zones
• Usage of low-VOC material
• Automatic exhaust system in the vehicle maintenance facility
• Increased natural daylighting

Each of these strategies, used in conjunction with sustainably designed site elements such as a new retention pond, were utilized to further lessen the site’s impact on the environment and provide a healthier workplace for SWACO’s staff.