The program for the Figge Art Museum proposes a rich mix of exhibition and non-exhibition functions, including education spaces, drawing and study studios, lecture, and library facilities. With this mix, the project is seen as a cultural center as much as a museum. The Weidt Group, working with the design team, assembled substantial energy and cost saving strategies using a customized integration of readily available products.

Customized Strategy Integration

• High-efficiency triple-pane glazing system
• Widespread daylighting controls
• Water-cooled chilled water system with 50% improved efficiency
• Evaporative humidification system
• Mechanical ventilation controls based upon building occupancy

The building achieved substantial results through MidAmerican Energy’s Commercial New Construction program because of an integrated effort by the owner and design team to highlight the best mix of envelope, mechanical and lighting strategies.

Based upon field-verified installed strategies and building operation as designed, the project has the potential to save:

• $166,000 per year (over 65% savings in relation to code baseline)
• 1,800 MWh of electrical consumption (over 65% savings)
• 74,800 therms of gas consumption (over 70% savings)

With MidAmerican Energy's custom incentive included, the simple payback for these energy conservation investments is only 0.6 years.