Dane_County_Design_Guidelines_&_Recommendations.pdf

ATTACHMENT G

DESIGN GUIDELINES & RECOMENDATIONS

1. OVERVIEW

1.A. These design priorities are a part of Dane County’s leadership toward maximizing energy performance and mitigating climate change and planning for the County’s future. Dane County will use these guidelines to design projects of all sizes, from small system upgrades and renovations to major renovations and new construction projects. For all measures, the project shall follow the more stringent requirements of these guidelines and the applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

2. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT:

2.A. All outdoor lighting systems must be compliant with the latest International Dark-Sky Association’s standards. When specifying exterior luminaries, systems shall utilize full cutoff type luminaries and designate distribution type and foot candle footprint of the luminaire. Motion- activated, zoned, and scheduled lighting should be used to minimize footprint and adapt lighting to actual user needs.

2.B. Provide shading to reduce the urban heat island effect with passive environmental strategies to reduce heat absorption of hardscape and building exteriors.

2.C. A minimum of 30% of any newly disturbed areas of existing site areas must be conserved or planted with native, pollinator-friendly vegetation to create habitat in accordance with the American Nature Campaign.

2.D. Conduct a tree survey to ensure design allows for significant trees to remain whenever possible.

2.E. Provide shading to reduce the urban heat island effect with tree islands and/or structures that provide shade. Shade structures may have a vegetated roof, solar photovoltaic systems, or have a minimum solar reflectance index (or SRI) of 29.

3. INDOOR ENVIRONMENT:

3.A. Identify and incorporate biophilic design strategies.

3.B. Provide access to daylight and quality views in all regularly occupied spaces, while balancing the impact of glazing on energy use.

3.C. Identify acoustic comfort goals, especially in gathering spaces, warehouse areas and offices.

3.D. Design indoor and outdoor opportunities for positive informal social interactions.

3.E. Identify indoor air quality, air filtration and ventilation requirements.

3.F. Survey equipment, systems and materials on-site and identify those that could be repurposed.

3.G. Require Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all construction materials.

3.H. Prioritize materials with low embodied carbon.

3.I. Determine the role of the facility in acute extreme events, including time-to-recovery if power loss or major damage occurs, passive survivability expectations / design criteria, and whether the building will serve a role in the community response (e.g., emergency shelter).

4. WATER CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT:

4.A. Manage stormwater to maximize site infiltration & evapotranspiration, and minimize runoff according to soil type.

4.B. Minimize chloride-requiring impervious areas.

4.C. Design landscaping with reduced irrigation requirements through best practices in EPA Water Efficiency Management Guide for Landscaping and Irrigation.

4.D. Meet or exceed compliance the latest energy code as published by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Dane County expects energy performance beyond the state requirements.

4.E. If geothermal energy proves a viable option, design for low temperature hydronic heating systems that utilize water temperatures of 130°F or below, and 30°F temperature drop or greater.

4.F. Specify low ozone depleting refrigerants for new or replacement refrigerant-based equipment such as HFC refrigerants or approved equivalent.

5. VEHICLES:

5.A. Evaluate the County’s needs for fleet vehicles at the facility.

5.B. Design for electric vehicle charging stations.

6. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT:

6.A. Propose a rainwater strategy that documents overland flows and includes strategies to slow, cool, and clean rainwater through EPA green infrastructure Best Management Practices (e.g., green roof, rain garden, permeable pavements).