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6 DESIGN INNOVATION - CONTINUED <br />35 | <br />staff without compromising the security or integrity of the spaces. <br />Location also plays a pivotal role. Renovating the County-owned Link Building not only makes efficient use <br />of existing assets but also anchors the sheriff’s office within the downtown judicial corridor, streamlining <br />government officials’ access to complementary services. Similarly, siting the Evidence Storage Facility near the <br />detention center allows for shared infrastructure, such as security systems and utilities, improving operational <br />efficiency and reducing costs. <br />INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH PURPOSEFUL DESIGN <br />Sustainability is not a one-off design move but a structured, cost-conscious strategy rooted in long-term <br />performance. Our process begins with high-impact, low-cost solutions and progresses to more ambitious <br />strategies, guided by life cycle cost analysis at each milestone to align environmental goals with budget <br />realities from the start of the design process. <br />This philosophy shapes our approach to both the Link Government Services Center and the Evidence Storage <br />Facility. At the Link building, mitigating hazards and modernizing the structure is key. Raymond, as Building <br />Envelope Consultant, will lead the use of high-performance, vapor-permeable air barriers, improved masonry <br />and roofing systems, and thermally efficient components that align with the existing geothermal infrastructure, <br />ensuring the facility can serve the County for years to come. <br />At the Evidence Storage Facility, where climate control is critical to protecting evidence integrity, we’ll <br />implement passive strategies and thermally broken cladding systems to minimize energy use and maintain <br />strict environmental conditions. Sustainability explorations will evaluate geothermal capabilities, solar energy <br />generation, and other strategies that position the Evidence Storage Facility to adapt to the County’s future <br />needs. Across both sites, we’ll apply lifecycle analysis, field testing, and envelope commissioning to ensure <br />durability, energy efficiency, and operational resilience. <br />Our approach is proven through past successful projects. For Durham County’s Emergency Operations and <br />Back-up 911 Center, we designed a hybrid zoning strategy that balances energy efficiency and rapid activation. <br />Ground-source heat pumps serve regularly used zones, while less frequently used areas rely on package <br />systems selected for lifecycle value, supporting Durham’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050 and <br />positioning the project for LEED® Gold. <br />Durham County’s Administration II Building earned LEED® Silver by delivering 26% energy savings and excelling <br />across categories including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality. Our team was able to <br />transform a dated county-owned building into a high-performing, lasting building that enables the county to <br />better serve its community. <br />With 15 LEED, WELL, and sustainability-certified professionals on staff, we embed performance into every <br />design. Our collaborative, data-driven approach ensures sustainability isn’t an add-on but a foundation for long- <br />term value. <br />+ <br />Docusign Envelope ID: ED9774D9-AC0C-4CB2-997F-EA672B7B6C5D