The Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) Nebraska Service Center incorporates mechanical, electrical and lighting systems that increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs over the life of the building. Kiewit Building Group, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, completed construction of the 144,000 sq. ft., two-story office building in August 2005.
This $18 million design-build project received national recognition when it was awarded Silver Certification by the US Green Building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. The LEED program recognizes environmental leadership in the building industry.
Several steps were taken to ensure sustainable construction. The mechanical system features a dual duct air distribution system which supplies fresh air continuously and separately from the conditioned air. The interior electrical system incorporates daylight harvesting along with motion and occupancy sensors to minimize consumption.
To reduce solar heat gain, the exterior of the building is comprised of insulated precast wall panels with aluminum curtainwall and storefront framing systems that utilize a high performance, low “e” tinted glazing. The building's interior features translucent poly-carbonate materials that are typically used in greenhouses. The roof incorporates several clerestory areas to allow maximum daylight into the building and provide 90% of occupants with a view to the outdoors. In addition, the landscape design uses vegetative that is native to the area and requires no irrigation systems.