The District of Columbia’s Consolidated Forensic Laboratory, which is designed by the global architectural practice HOK, has received LEED Platinum certification.
Designed with cutting-edge technology, the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) is a science facility, which provides the District of Columbia with critical public safety and health science infrastructure.
Co-locating the Department of Forensic Sciences and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the CFL provides advanced laboratory and work facilities designed for the safety of the analysts and the public.
CFL has incorporated various sustainable design elements including the installation of an orientation and a high performance dynamic façade to reduce building energy loads; and an automated louver system, which allows daylight and views to the administrative offices while significantly reducing solar heat gain and glare.
Apart from that the CFL has also employed high efficiency flush and flow fixtures to achieve 42% water savings. The Lab’s extensive green roof and the reuse of the remaining stormwater runoff have been used to cool tower make-up. This has resulted in savings of over two million gallons of potable water per year.
More than 90% of the Lab’s work areas have access to daylight and views. A high level of indoor air quality was maintained during construction and occupancy through the use of low emitting materials and high performance ventilation and filtration measures. Besides that the facility has also used a demountable partition system, which allows the office space to be easily reconfigured according to the changing needs of the District agencies.
To make the facility more environment-friendly, 27% recycled content, 35% regional and 76% certified wood has been used. More than 90% of construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfills through recycling and salvage measures.
CFL also offers carpool and low emitting vehicle designated parking, bicycle parking, and locker rooms. The building is in close proximity to three Metro stations and multiple bus lines.