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Virginia Commonwealth University Pollak Building Green Roof

Richmond, VA

Owner

Virginia Commonwealth University

Sustainability

LEED Silver

Timeframe

2011

Size

4,020 SF

Cost

$417,295

2RW provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering for the VCU Pollak Building green roof installation, which supports stormwater management, energy reduction, and enhanced occupant comfort through vegetated roofing. The MEP scope included design coordination to accommodate the green roof and rooftop equipment, ensuring proper drainage, structural support for associated systems, and integration with existing building services. The green roof contributes to sustainability goals by reducing heat-island effects, improving insulation performance, and supporting water-quality management at the facility.

Project Goals

In 2011, Virginia Commonwealth University installed a 4,000 SF vegetated roof on its Pollak Building to meet student demand for more visible sustainability initiatives and meet the requirements of its Climate Action Plan which specifies a climate neutrality target date of 2050. This was the first green roof on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus.

Services

2RW’s work for the addition included:

  • MEP engineering services. Components of the roof’s MEP systems include low-energy LED exterior light fixtures and an adjustable, moisture-sensing irrigation system.
  • Construction administration services.

Results

The Pollak Building Green Roof offers many sustainability benefits, including:

  • Reduced heat island effect due to the cooling effect of the plants.
  • Reduced stormwater volumes and flow rates due to the rainwater-retention properties of the plants and soil.
  • Reduced energy use based on the improved insulating characteristics of the system.

Partners

Awards

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Team
2RW_Prevatt_WWW_RGB | | 2RW

Bethany Prevatt

BIM/CAD Operator

Project Gallery

Image credit

Copyright 2RW
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Sustainability in Engineering

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