The new St. Joseph service center for Missouri Gas Energy was designed to optimize energy efficiency, resulting in the project’s submission for LEED Gold certification. The 11,420 sq. ft. building utilized Rigid Frame and Unibeam Lean-To framing from Varco Pruden Buildings, along with modified fascia framing on the south eave to support solar-collecting panels.
Incorporating green features in the building was of utmost priority, while maintaining the aesthetics of the service center and offices for the Missouri-based natural gas company. The modified canopy framing at the south eave supports 27 solar-collecting panels. Meanwhile, the energy-efficiency of the reflective standing seam roof is complemented by R-35 insulation in the roof and R-25 in the walls. Windows and curtainwalls are positioned to effectively offer daylighting throughout the building. Also, waste management on the jobsite was optimized.
In addition to the Varco Pruden framing systems, the building features Cool Cotton White SSR Panels by Varco Pruden on the roof, and Cool Colonial Red panels in a Vee Rib profile for the walls.
The project has been submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED Gold certification, with a total of 62 LEED points: 19 points for sustainable sites, 9 points for water efficiency, 17 points for energy and atmosphere, 7 points for materials and resources, 8 points for indoor environmental quality, and 2 points for innovation in design. Included in the design and construction are additional points for the heat-reflective roof, solar heating, green-cleaning program, and water irrigation. The solar system includes 8.28 kW of renewable energy.
“MGE is very happy with the quality of the pre-engineered metal building and its albedo roof in respect to meeting our 2011 green initiative construction project,” reads a statement from Missouri Gas Energy.
The Varco Pruden Builder was A.L. Huber General Contractor of Overland Park, KS. The designer was SFS Architecture of Kansas City, MO. The building was completed in August 2011.