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The Challenges Of Federal Government Procurement

With a collaborative design approach and the choice to forego networking protocols, this nuclear facility’s controls upgrade points toward an atypical alternate for success.

March 29, 2013

By Kevin Brooks

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The procurement process used by the U.S. government (or its contractor) can follow one of several different paths. Usually, an equipment specification is written that contains performance criteria and other requirements. A solicitation is then released and potential sellers competitively bid for the work.

Case In Point

Green design model retrofit uses boilers in effort to LEED by example

Electricity and natural gas costs were reduced at the Environmental Way building, thanks to hydronic boilers.

February 28, 2013

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For David Bowles, a former IBM corporate facility in Charlotte, NC was much more than an abandoned eyesore.

Bridging Schools And Eras with HVAC

With literal and figurative tight spaces handled, now new boilers, hydronics, pumping systems, and DDC all work together to impress and serve.

February 27, 2013

By Paul Johnson P.E., CSI, LEED® AP BD+C

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In today’s world, so-called “high-performance, sustainable” facilities are a dime a dozen. But many of these buildings rely on overly complex mechanical systems to carry out their mission.

Married at the Courthouse: VRF & Geothermal

January 30, 2013

By Vic Amoroso, P.E.

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The author’s longtime interest in bundling efficiency techniques in a single system eventually led him to a new pairing: VRF zoning technology and geothermal design. See how he got there and how this couple played out for an historic 107-year-old Iowa courthouse that serves the law through the area’s brutal winters and humid summers.

Case In Point

Health care provider uses upgrades to deliver top-notch care

January 2, 2013

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High-performance solutions result in savings, LEED® certifications, and better health care Spectrum Health is the largest not-for-profit health care system in West Michigan with nine hospitals, more than 180 service sites, and 1,983 licensed beds system-wide.

Case In Point

Smoke clears over a popular NYC restaurant and its neighbors

January 2, 2013

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In October 2011, Mas (la grillade) opened in New York City with the goal of elevating hardwood grilling to a culinary art using fire and smoke. Located in Lower Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, “the grill” aimed to build upon the success of its sister restaurant and predecessor, Mas (farmhouse), and rely exclusively on hardwoods as its primary cooking fuel.

Case In Point

Tool lending library assists California companies in measuring energy consump-tion

November 26, 2012

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Most companies want to decrease their energy consumption, either for financial reasons, or to be active in reducing their carbon footprint, or both — but some of them aren’t sure where to begin. When the only measure of a facility’s energy usage is the bill customers receive at the end of the month, they may feel their facility is more like the proverbial black hole: power goes in, business happens inside, but it’s not clear exactly how much energy is used where and when.

How The Culture Of Inefficiency Is Outfoxing LEED®, ASHRAE, And Efficiency Programs

November 9, 2012

By Peter Kleinhenz, MS, P.E., Greg Raffio, MS, P.E., Charlie Schreier, MS, P.E., John Seryak, and Franc Sever, MS

3 Comments

How many energy-efficient or certified buildings are not living up to the label? Very, very many, if this Ohio commissioning/auditing firm’s experience is close to typical. They report on common weaknesses in efficiency strategies and on real-life patterns of upgrades gone wrong across an array of equipment types. While flaws in well-intentioned processes remain, a more careful investment of human energy can still yield the desired reduction in building energy.

Open for public comment: proposed revisions for existing buildings standard

October 27, 2012

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Public input is being sought into revision of an ASHRAE/IES standard that addresses retrofit of existing residential and commercial buildings to achieve greater energy efficiency.

Right Steps For Retrofits

October 19, 2012

By Kendra Tupper, P.E., LEED® BD+C, ASHRAE BEMP & HPDP

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Achieving deep energy savings is especially challenging when you’re faced with an existing structure with poor orientation, historic preservation requirements, and little space for renewables. The Byron Rogers Federal Office Building’s retrofit is scheduled to be completed in 2013; the post-renovation building is projected to consume less than half the energy it did before.

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Risk and Reward within Reason – Identifying Data Center Best Practices via Lessons Learned and CFD Analysis

On-Demand The presentation will be a discussion of current and emerging mechanical best practices informed by real world experience and project based analysis.

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