Human & Agricultural Biosciences Building 1

The Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building 1 (HABB1) at Virginia Tech, designed as the first phase of a sustainable Biosciences Precinct, is a model of high-performance design that achieved LEED Gold certification. The facility integrates advanced research spaces with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. Sustainable strategies include an airtight building envelope, generous glazing to optimize daylighting, and aluminum sunshades to minimize solar heat gain. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by a chilled beam HVAC system that reduces overall energy consumption. The project also incorporates stormwater management through the use of bioswales, and approximately 50% of site runoff is filtered before entering the broader campus system. Material reuse, such as recycling asphalt from the previous parking lot, and the use of low-emitting materials for paints and sealers were prioritized. This holistic approach ensures that the building supports cutting-edge research while minimizing its environmental footprint.