The UVA Data Science Facility by Hopkins Architects + VMDO addresses the unique challenge of creating sustainable, high-performance computing environments that balance intensive energy demands with environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

Sustainability Consulting Role: Developed custom project sustainability goals and performed early design building analytics including thermal comfort studies, natural ventilation design assistance, embodied carbon optimization strategies, daylight analysis and LEED compliance energy modeling services for a new 60,000-square-foot data science flexible-academic facility. Optimized high-performance computing environments for maximum energy efficiency through advanced cooling strategies, renewable energy integration, and smart building technologies. Developed custom metrics for measuring sustainability performance in data-intensive academic facilities. (Work performed while at Thornton Tomasetti)

Climate-Positive Solutions Delivered:

• Automated operable windows to enhance natural ventilation

• High performance envelope

• 58 KW rooftop solar PV array accounting for ~15% of building’s energy use

• Smart building systems for real-time energy optimization

• HVAC heat recovery systems reusing server waste heat

Performance Outcomes:

• LEED Gold certification

• Design Energy Use Intensity 46 kbtu/sf, 33% better than LEED baseline

• 45% reduction in cooling energy through advanced system design

• Open energy source data