EDM Project Spotlight: Launchbox

Project Spotlight: Launchbox

Location: 6 Northway Lane, Latham, NY

Project Background

EDM had the pleasure of collaborating with owner-operator, Rosenblum Development, to provide full design services on their latest project, Launchbox. This warehouse stands out as one of the few fully electrified facilities in the Capital Region designed to achieve net-zero emissions.

Rosenblum is dedicated to fostering greener, healthier spaces that strengthen communities. Launchbox exemplifies their commitment to environmental stewardship as a fully electrified facility designed to achieve net-zero emissions. The facility consists of individual warehouse and work suites from 150 to 1,000 square feet.

Rosenblum acquired 6 Northway Lane in 2020. The 63,000 square foot industrial building was constructed in the 1970's as two separate concrete block and steel framed buildings on poured concrete slab that were connected in 1992 with an addition of similar construction. The site had previously been used for a variety of industrial activities including engine parts machining, manufacturing of cogeneration units, and re-manufacturing locomotive turbochargers.

Rosenblum performed a complete "gut" renovation and deep energy retrofit of the industrial building. This incorporated an upgraded building envelope, electric air source heat pumps to replace the legacy natural gas system, and energy recovery ventilation for a healthier indoor environment. No fossil fuels are utilized onsite, avoiding an average 423.9 metric tons of annual CO2 emissions. The building's projected total energy use intensity is 40% lower than a similarly sized conventional warehouse. With its 417kW rooftop solar PV array, Launchbox is expected to achieve net zero by producing as much or more energy annually than the building consumes.

edm Services Provided:

edm provided mechanical and plumbing engineering services for the warehouse and office space for Launchbox.

The warehouse space is heated and cooled with a VRF (variable refrigerant flow) heat pump system. The system includes 4-6 outdoor VRF units mounted on the roof connected to multiple indoor units. Room neutral fresh air is brought into the warehouse space with a 5600 CFM energy recovery DOAS (dedicated outdoor air system). The warehouse also has 4 destratification fans to ensure heat is properly distributed to the high-ceiling space.

The office space is heated and cooled with a VRF heating recovery system. There is duct work and standard ceiling diffusers for air distribution of the indoor units. Room neutral fresh air is brought into the space with a 1200 CFM energy recovery DOAS.

We would like to acknowledge and extend thanks to the following consultants who collaborated with edm on the project:

Architecture | edmSTUDIO, Inc.
Electrical Engineering | M/E Engineering, P.C.
Structural Engineering | Macchi Engineers, LLC.