CCSU Elihu Burritt Library

Project Overview

New Britain, CT – The Elihu Burritt Library serves as a hub for collaboration, dialogue, and discovery at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). This renovation and addition project includes design and installation of HVAC infrastructure to the existing library, the addition of air conditioning to previously unconditioned book stacks, and upgrades to fire protection systems. A new 15,000 SF addition houses library spaces, classrooms, labs, and offices. The structure incorporates exposed wooden timber, reinforcing the University’s commitment to a sustainable campus and the use of durable, low-impact materials. CCSU’s investment in the library underscores the essential role that modern, flexible, and healthy learning environments play in fostering creative and critical thinking.

SES played a vital role in coordinating commissioning and performance testing for this phased project in accordance with CT HPB requirements. Since the renovation occurred while the library remained fully occupied and classes were in session, close coordination among the owner, facilities staff, design team, Construction Manager, trade contractors, and commissioning authority was essential. SES facilitated ongoing communication to align construction progress, system readiness, and testing activities with the academic calendar and building occupancy needs.

Commissioning activities required the systematic isolation of individual floors and HVAC zones to allow safe and effective testing without impacting occupied areas. This process involved detailed planning with the Construction Manager and mechanical and controls contractors to verify installation completeness, controls programming, balancing status, and system operability prior to testing. Fire protection, life safety, and building automation systems were coordinated to ensure that temporary shutdowns, alarms, and airflow changes were properly managed and communicated in advance. Functional performance testing was sequenced to follow construction phasing and partial system turnover, allowing renovated and new systems to be tested, documented, and accepted incrementally. This collaborative, phased approach minimized disruption to library operations while ensuring that all systems met design intent, HPB performance criteria, and long-term operational requirements prior to final occupancy and project closeout.

The addition includes a high-efficiency rooftop unit serving multizone VAV terminal boxes with reheat, providing precise zone-level temperature control and energy-efficient operation. A steam-to-hot-water heat exchanger and chilled water heat exchanger connect the building to CCSU’s central heating and cooling plant, supporting HPB goals related to efficient energy generation and distribution. The renovation scope included the installation of air conditioning and a comprehensive HVAC upgrade featuring a vertical Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system paired with a packaged rooftop Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS). This configuration improves ventilation effectiveness, enhances humidity control, and supports occupant comfort while meeting the State of Connecticut’s high-performance energy and indoor environmental quality standards.