Recent upgrades to UMB’s oldest building help to save energy while employing principles of historic preservation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Environmental Health and Safety and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) began calculating air exchange rates for each building on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB campus.
In Davidge Hall, the air exchange rate was zero, meaning there was no available fresh air for the building. Instead, building systems were recirculating the same air throughout the building, which was a major concern for the spread of the virus. Water leaks and high humidity caused by the lack of fresh air began deteriorating the historic property.
When the state of Maryland offered surplus money to state agencies for building projects, UMB knew that replacing the mechanical systems in Davidge Hall would be a great candidate. Additionally, with the creation of the Office of Sustainability in 2021, UMB was looking to decarbonize its building systems. Rather than replace the mechanical equipment with the same system that had failed the building, this project was a great opportunity to try out a new, more efficient system.
The new building air handlers use a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, where each space in the building can be controlled with a fresh air intake machine. The arches over the doors have grills (unnoticeable to passersby) that allow fresh air to enter the building. Working closely with the Maryland Historical Trust, the project was creative in its methods for installing equipment while preserving the building’s historic look and feel. The new equipment allows the building to maintain 72-degree temperature and comfortable levels of humidity, including large auditorium spaces that hold 150 people.
Since the VRF system covers both heating and cooling loads, UMB disconnected the building from district steam service, making Davidge Hall a 100 percent electric building. This conversion puts UMB one step closer to achieving its carbon neutrality goals. According to O&M, overall energy usage in the building is down by about 20 percent thanks to these mechanical upgrades. Additionally, occupants say that the building has never felt more comfortable.
“For the first time in my 30-year career here, we have comfortable temperatures in both seasons and couldn’t be more delighted,” says Larry Pitrof, executive director of the Medical Alumni Association of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Upgrading the mechanical equipment isn’t the only enhancement Davidge Hall is seeing. A new roof is being installed in the building, with completion slated for late 2024. Once the roof is done, an interior renovation project will bring new painting, plaster, and window re-glazing to restore the building to its original condition.