Page 17 - Jan/Feb2017

The new Knoxville Public Works Service Center is a
three-story, 45,560-square-foot structure housing
over 325 employees and is expected to improve
energy efficiency by 30 percent.

addition to the afore mentioned green areas to accommodate multiple pro- the Public Works Service Center to
roof – are LED interior lighting with grams, growth and changes, the Public provide convenient access for customers
energy saving controls, water-reducing Works Service Center is a highly adapt- while improving operations and deliv-
plumbing fixtures, and rooftop fresh able and versatile facility. This adapt- ery of services. The City worked hard to
air heat pumps. One of the biggest ability – as well as a full emergency design the facility in an environmentally
environmentally-friendly features is a backup system – also makes this facility responsible fashion and to maximize
geothermal HVAC system. The Tennes- the logical choice as a backup facility for functionality for employees. The City of
see Department of Environment and municipal operations should the City Knoxville Public Works team is honored
Conservation awarded the City’s Office County Building be rendered inoper- that the new Public Works Service Cen-
of Sustainability a $240,000 grant in 2015 able in the event of an emergency or the ter was selected for TCAPWA’s Project
to help pay for the geothermal system. activation of the City’s Continuity of of the Year Award and looks forward
The geothermal system reduces carbon Operations plan. to hosting the 2017 TCAPWA/SWANA
dioxide emissions and is expected to Conference in our community.
improve energy efficiency by 30 percent Ultimately, the City of Knoxville wants
and generate savings by reducing heating
and cooling costs.

The facility was designed to feature
alternative transportation access with the
construction of new sidewalks and the
installation of a new bus stop in front of
the building, as well as being located on
a bicycle route. The parking lot in front
of the building was built with permeable
brick pavers that drain into a bio-swale
adjacent to the building that naturally
filters water runoff. The parking lot also
features three electric vehicle charging
stations and six spaces for low emission
vehicles.

With its flexible spaces and large open

View online at tnpublicworks.com 17