The consultancy will provide structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering services, as well as daylight and energy modelling, for The Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh, USA.
The 800,000 sq ft high-rise building will house PNC Financial Services Group’s executive offices and is designed by Gensler. Construction on the 35 to 40 storey tower is scheduled to begin in spring 2012 and completed in summer 2015. The team will strive to exceed LEED Platinum, the top USGBC rating.
The US$400m (£243m) corporate headquarters will be located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Pittsburgh’s downtown core. When built, it is designed to be the world’s most environmentally friendly skyscraper.
Buro Happold will work with the team to integrate energy-saving systems, such as a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that uses advanced sensors and metering to deliver controlled air to specific building zones. Energy-saving and alternative sources of power are planned, such as fuel cells, solar panels, and/or geothermal systems. The building’s façade will enhance energy efficiency, allowing natural airflow to the building and reduces cooling costs.
“The client’s ambitious goals for this project closely align with Buro Happold’s commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art in green building design,” said Denzil Gallagher, principal in charge of MEP engineering for the project for Buro Happold. “We are proud to use our deep resources to develop sophisticated MEP and structural systems that will benefit Pittsburgh and raise the bar for sustainable design around the world.”
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