George Askew, right, director of Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, shows Sen. Yancey McGill, center, and Bill Dyson, who accompanied McGill on a recent visit to the Georgetown facility, plans for the 12,000 square foot conference and education facility now under construction.

CONTACT: George Askew, (843) 546-1013; gaskew@clemson.edu

DATE: 10/8/2007

WRITER: Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

New Baruch Institute facilities win regional award

GEORGETOWN – New facilities at Clemson University’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science have not been completed, but they have already won an award for energy efficiency.

An ultra-efficient heating, ventilation and cooling system designed by RMF Engineering, Inc. of Mount Pleasant for a new 12,000 square foot conference and education building is the recipient. It won a regional honorable mention award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.

“Our design team used a range of innovative technologies, including an energy recovery system that cuts the energy required to temper outside air by 45 percent,” said Brian Keiser, project engineer for RMF. “Our goal was to make certain that building occupants can work in comfort in high quality air.”

The award for RMF Engineers illustrates Clemson’s dedication to meeting high environmental standards in the new facility, according to George Askew, director of the Baruch Institute.

“The new facility has been designed by LS3P Architects in Charleston using ‘green’ principles so the building can qualify for LEED certification,” Askew said. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s program for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The “green” principles will minimize water and power use, as well as the environmental footprint of the facility, by using recycled and reclaimed materials. Carpeting, paints and construction material produced from natural materials with low volatile organic compounds are also used. The HVAC system is even equipped to monitor levels of carbon dioxide.

“When completed in the spring of 2008, the new building and our renovated office and laboratory facility will enhance our ability to do research on the natural resources of coastal South Carolina,” said Askew.

The Baruch Institute has been keeping an eye on South Carolina’s coastal environment for nearly 40 years – studying the natural resources and what happens to the land, forests and water as development adds more people to the equation.

“Sen. Yancey McGill came by for a look at what we are doing here recently, and he was impressed by what he saw,” said Askew. McGill represents District 32 – Florence, Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties. Facilities at Baruch are being renovated and expanded through a $5 million appropriation by the South Carolina General Assembly.

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