Caribou Weather Forecast Office

Location

Caribou, Maine

Overview

LEED Standing

Silver

Project Team

• TranSystems Corporation - David Campbell
• Builder: Cyr Construction Company - Dale Michaud

Completed in October 2002, this 8,300 square foot National Weather Service facility was the first LEED certified building in Maine.  It serves as the primary means of gathering weather data in the northeast region of the United States.  Every aspect of the building design, from site selection to construction to commissioning, minimized environmental impacts and maximized resource and operational efficiency. The building was constructed with 50% recycled and locally harvested materials.  Ninety five percent of the total project waste was salvaged and recycled. The use of low-VOC paint and sealants, operable windows, and natural day lighting provide a healthy and comfortable workplace.  The final concept of WFO provides for water management, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, alternate means of transportation and recycling.  Energy conservation measures, such as geothermal heating and cooling, high-efficiency lighting, and water-saving equipment and fixtures, result in 30% less energy use than a typical Weather Forecast Office.

The operations room, the head and heart of the facility, was designed around the people who work there. This room operates 24/7 so it was vital that the space is as comfortable to the employee as possible. Lighting and ventilation analysis were performed which dictated the orientation of the room to make best use of operable windows for natural ventilation and clearstory windows with light shelves for day lighting. Work stations were designed during construction with the employees and cabinet maker on the design team. We worked closely with both to ensure all of the computer monitors, keyboards and work surfaces were organized for maximum comfort. Pressed strawboard was used for all built-in cabinetry throughout the facility.

This facility has been recognized for its energy saving efforts and its environmental impact.

• The Department of Energy has recognized the Caribou Weather Forecast Office as part of the Federal Energy Management Program’s “You Have the Power” campaign.
• 2003 Federal Energy Save Showcase Facility, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• Honorable Mention, White House Closing the Circle Awards