Construction of Biofuels Facility Begins


DANVILLE, Va. — Construction recently started on a new research and development facility that will be used to study bio-based fuels at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
 
The Sustainable Energy Technology Center is designed to meet LEED certification with a rainwater cistern that will harvest rainwater for irrigation and low-emitting materials. Solar thermal panels and high-reflective and vegetated roofing are planned to improve energy efficiency, along with high-efficiency fume hoods. The City of Danville donated a solar array to supply electricity for the building and LED light fixtures for public areas.
 
The $8 million, 25,000-square-foot building will house research laboratories and support areas, graduate student research areas and faculty offices. It was funded through the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification Commission and the Community Revitalization Commission.
 
The facility was designed in a collaborative effort between lead architect Dewberry of Danvile and laboratory design architect Lord, Aeck & Sargent, headquartered in Atlanta, which is also serving as sustainability consultant. Construction is scheduled for completion in November 2011.