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On Thursday, June 13, 2019, Russ Pacala, Principal at Spillman Farmer Architects, spoke about building the Lombardo Welcome Center at Millersville University which is a Net-Positive Energy building. The Center meets the Living Building Challenge outlined by LEED which takes one year of occupancy before certification is granted. Millersville hopes to be a carbon neutral campus by the year 2024.
The Welcome Center is a Net Positive (not net zero or carbon neutral) which means it produces as much energy as it consumes. It includes a large Lobby, Auditorium, and offices for Admissions/Marketing/Student Housing. There are educational displays explaining the building's uniqueness. Emmaus Rotarian Sal Verrastro introduced Russel Pacala, his life-long friend, business partner and fellow Rotarian (Bethlehem Morning Star Club) as the morning's presenter after collaborating to set up the audio visual equipment.
Considerations before building included the sun direction, shaded areas, use of the building-- number of people and the hours. Green Features include over 500,000 solar panels in a wave design, more insulation than required by code, 20 geothermal wells, specially designed glass panels with glazing and glare control and frittered design. Run off from the roof goes into a rain garden and runs down a rain chime. There is an anticipated 25 year pay back period.
Pacala noted that the company of Emmaus Rotarian Joe Parks which worked on the lighting. Parks said they had been honored to contribute.
Russel Pacala is a Principal at Spillman Farmer Architects. He has been practicing architecture for over 38 years and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is passionate about good design, sustainable architecture and has won several design awards throughout his career. He lives in Bethlehem.