American Geophysical Union Headquarters

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is an international non-profit scientific association with 60,000 members in 137 countries promoting discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. In 2015, Interface Engineering was selected as part of a team to convert the existing American Geophysical Union Headquarters into a world-class, Net Zero Energy facility. The full-building renovation transformed the 5-story, 87,780 gross square foot space into a state-of-the-art work environment that facilitates internal collaboration and showcases AGU’s contributions to Earth and space sciences. The design includes a mixture of modern workspaces and cutting edge meeting/conference facilities that incorporate the most advanced technology and sustainable features.

Our team evaluated thirty-five independent Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), in an effort to reach AGU’s goal of becoming the first, existing commercial building in Washington, DC to achieve “net zero”. Ultimately, a bundle of roughly twenty-three strategies were recommended to be included in the project’s Schematic Design, based on each strategy’s anticipated contribution to energy and water savings, waste, and carbon reduction, human comfort, and employee health and well-being.

Some of the more innovative solutions include municipal waste heat recovery, photovoltaic (PV) array, radiant ceiling systems, DC current ceiling grids, and hydroponic phytoremediation air filtration and treatment.

To learn more or sign up for a tour, please visit AGU Building