This is a desirable project because of economic benefits. But the tax abatement should only be approved if Sartorius does not heat this building with gas. Gas combustion violates the A2Zero plan's strategy 2, action 1, specifying fully electrified new construction. Sartorius argues that its laboratory fume hoods, which require frequent air exchange, make gas necessary. But similar lab buildings elsewhere (i.e. the Integrated Sciences Center at Carleton College in Minnesota, which uses geothermal) do not employ gas. Sartorius touts its corporate sustainability ethic, and is building to a LEED gold standard. But I calculate this one energy-hungry building will generate 4,160 metric tons CO2 equivalent emissions annually from gas, thus wiping out all the gains from the Solar at City Facilities project (2,705 metric tons CO2), to which the city recently earmarked $4.5 million. Putting up solar panels feels futile while approving (and forgiving taxes on) new gas-burning buildings like this.
This is a desirable project because of economic benefits. But the tax abatement should only be approved if Sartorius does not heat this building with gas. Gas combustion violates the A2Zero plan's strategy 2, action 1, specifying fully electrified new construction. Sartorius argues that its laboratory fume hoods, which require frequent air exchange, make gas necessary. But similar lab buildings elsewhere (i.e. the Integrated Sciences Center at Carleton College in Minnesota, which uses geothermal) do not employ gas. Sartorius touts its corporate sustainability ethic, and is building to a LEED gold standard. But I calculate this one energy-hungry building will generate 4,160 metric tons CO2 equivalent emissions annually from gas, thus wiping out all the gains from the Solar at City Facilities project (2,705 metric tons CO2), to which the city recently earmarked $4.5 million. Putting up solar panels feels futile while approving (and forgiving taxes on) new gas-burning buildings like this.