Energy efficiency rating chart with solar panel, calculator, and light bulb representing sustainable building design

Architectural Planning and Coordination: Energy Efficiency Best Practices for Commercial Buildings

October 11, 2026April 30, 2025 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

This article continues our multi-part series focused on architectural coordination as it relates to MEP systems, based on changes to the International Building Code and related standards for the 2021 code cycle. Today we address a significant and growing challenge impacting both emergency and non-emergency communication systems—specifically how modern energy-efficient building envelopes are degrading radio-frequency … Read more

Electrical Recovery When Disaster Strikes

September 11, 2026September 16, 2024 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

In commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities, the integrity of electrical systems is crucial for safety and operational continuity. Recent natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires have highlighted the significant impact of water and fire on electrical infrastructure. When electrical equipment is exposed to fire or water, the risk of malfunction or failure increases … Read more

Compliance and Continuity: How Preventative Electrical Maintenance Reduces Downtime

September 4, 2026August 20, 2024 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

Electrical systems are the lifeblood of your facility, powering everything from critical patient care to the daily operations that keep your business running smoothly. When was the last time your electrical system got a check-up? Like any vital system, your facility’s electrical infrastructure needs regular care to stay healthy. A strategic maintenance program isn’t just … Read more

Electrical Arc Flash Hazards, Requirements, and Safety

September 29, 2026January 13, 2016 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

An arc flash is a sudden, massive release of energy from a piece of electrical equipment caused by a fault in the system. The fault can be caused by anything from failing insulation to moisture in equipment to a worker accidentally dropping a screwdriver onto exposed live equipment. As electrical systems become more complex and … Read more

Defining NFPA 37

June 18, 2026December 22, 2015 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

Wesley Stiles, PE, Director of Electrical Engineering for the York office, is featured in the December Issue of Consulting-Specifying Magazine for the article below. NFPA 37: Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, 2015 edition, is an important yet often overlooked player in NFPA’s extensive lineup of codes and … Read more

Our Ever-Changing Energy Landscape

August 5, 2026July 20, 2015 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

Across the country, people are starting to recognize the vulnerability of our electrical infrastructure — whether it be from capacity issues, natural disasters, or other events. Because of this, government regulations are increasingly pressuring utility companies to decrease demand on their systems. By pushing individual consumers to curtail demand and increase efficiency, utility companies are … Read more

Rethinking Athletic Facility Design

September 25, 2026January 16, 2014 by Wesley L. Stiles, PE

The life of a student on campus has seen a remarkable evolution in the last decade. Students now are more mobile, savvy, and health-conscious than ever. Whereas athletic facilities may have been a nice added touch for prospective students, today they are an integral part of the recruiting process — not only for athletes but … Read more