Kearney, NE
Nebraska Medicine Kearney
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
This new cancer center is a $33M, 2-story, 53,000 SF outpatient facility with medical and radiation oncology, clinic spaces, chemical infusion unit, two linear accelerators, CT scan, testing laboratory, USP 797/800 compliant pharmacy compounding suite, and support areas for survivorship programs and genetic counseling. A new healing garden and expansion for a 2nd linear accelerator was included in the overall design.
SES worked with the Owner and the architect to provide MEP engineering design services including a geothermal HVAC system which was partially paid for utilizing government incentive grants for clean energy. This project incorporated elements of UNMC’s 2030 challenge and sustainability requirements including everything from Well Building attributes to energy use 50% below current benchmarks for sustainability. This prompted our mechanical team to perform additional energy modeling for up to 3 systems type solutions. The system selected was a full geothermal system with water-to-water heat pump chillers and central air handling systems.
The building features energy efficient LED lighting and demand-limiting controls, operating entirely on electricity without natural gas. It was designed to be PV-ready, with an option to install solar panels on the roof. Systems were configured to minimize operation during unoccupied hours. For instance, the pharmacy compounding suite has its own air handling unit and heat pump that is continuously active, allowing for aggressive setback strategies for the main central air handling units and heat pump chillers. The SES Team also evaluated the use of adiabatic humidification; however, the client decided not to pursue this technology.
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