Architectural, mechanical, and electrical components are designed as a comprehensive system intended to provide exemplary energy conservation with a very high level of function and performance.

A verification report by The Weidt Group for MidAmerican Energy's Commercial New Construction Rebate Program calculates annual energy savings at more than $36,000. The incremental payback for the increased cost of materials and construction associated with energy conservation is calculated at 3.3 years. Poweshiek County is scheduled to receive a rebate of $58,800 from MidAmerican Energy.

• Alternative transportation:
  • Designated Parking, Low Emitting Vehicles
  • Designated Parking, Car Pool
  • Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms Provided
• Storm water design – quantity control
• Reduce Heat Island Effect:
  • Concrete w/ high solar reflective index
  • White Roof
• Light pollution reduction – lighting fixtures comply with dark skies initiative.

• Water Efficient Landscaping – No Potable Water for Irrigation.
• Innovative Wastewater Technologies – vacuum waste water.
• Water use reduction:
  • Electronic sensors at toilets and faucets in admin. building.
  • Vacuum waste water system – reduce GPF and reduce potable water use by 1/3.

• Optimize Energy Performance:
  • 56% above international energy code 2006, per Weidt roup
  • Geothermal / heat pump heating & cooling
  • Radiant heating & cooling panels @ admin
  • Total heat recovery – ventilation air
  • Use variable speed motors for HVAC equipment
  • High performance lighting- use LEDs where applicable
  • High Performance Lighting Fixtures, Lamps, and Ballast
  • Occupancy sensors control lights – admin, public and utility spaces
  • Automated control of building systems
  • Air lock vestibules – exterior entrances
  • Enhanced thermal envelope – increased r value
• Horizontal geothermal loop field – reduce first cost installation.

• Refrigerant management – no CFCs or HCFCs used.
• Storage and collection of recyclables – storage space provided.
• Reduced materials:
  • Polished or sealed concrete floors throughout.
  • Symphonic roof-drain system – reduced pipe size.
• Construction waste management – divert 50% from disposable waste stream.
• Recycled content – specify materials w/ high recycled content.
• Regional materials – specify materials extracted, processed, & manufactured regionally

• Indoor Environmental Quality:
  • Increased ventilation.
  • High efficiency filters clean outside air.
  • Outdoor air delivery monitoring.
  • Walk-off mats – all administration entries.
  • No Carpet.
• Low Emitting Materials:
  • Adhesives & Sealants.
  • Paint & Coatings.
  • Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products.
• Indoor chemical & pollutant source control – custodial, copy, & detox.
• Individual zone control of systems – lighting and HVAC systems in administration.
• Thermal comfort – design controls to exceed current code requirements.
• Daylighting – administration provided with a minimum of 2% daylight for 75% of regularly occupied areas - windows & roof monitors.