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Energy Retro-Cx

Based on Cx-3 ATC/FPT and TAB-3 software

June 1, 2013

By Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

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MONTH 3- The Energy Conservation Opportunity: Water-Source Heat Pump System Application - Solution Implementation and Monitor, Measure, and Benchmarking

A Lesson Plan For Sustainability

The Medical University of South Carolina implemented broad energy efficiency im-provements without incurring capital costs.

June 1, 2013

By John F. Plack Jr., P.E.

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Today, many state institutions of higher learning and healthcare facilities face reduced budgets, aging infrastructure, and rising energy costs. According to the EPA, colleges and universities spend close to $2 billion each year on energy. These institutions are seeking innovative ways to renew facilities, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs. One option gaining some renewed momentum is the Energy Savings Performance Contract (EPSC).

VRF Heat Pumps In The Real World

Wide temperature swings, submetering deficiencies, bloated carbon footprint … these are but three of the problems tackled in two contrasting projects in the Northwest.

June 1, 2013

By Marcia Karr

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How is variable refrigerant flow (VRF) working for you? We asked a number of people that question and summarized the findings from two typical facilities here.

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.

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3/20/13 2:00 pm EST

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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2013 June

Check out the June 2013 edition of Engineered Systems

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The Green Energy Management Book

Learn from our experts how to evaluate job opportunities, market your services, sell a Walk-through Survey, target areas for an Energy Audit, calculate energy savings, do retrofit work, and win continuing contracts for retrofit work.

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Tomorrow's Environment Podcast

This series from longtime columnist and chronic forward-thinker Howard McKew covers a lot of ground -- from retrocommissioning to systems training, on toward checklists for drawings and tips for meeting minutes. Click HERE to be taken to the podcast page!