After cooling and heating systems, lighting is responsible for the largest consumption of electrical energy in a building. With energy and sustainability being near the top of almost every facility manager’s list of priorities these days, here are a few simple lighting upgrades that can help you save on your electrical energy costs: Lighting Controls … Read more
A relatively new technology is quickly making an impact on the design and construction industry. Building Information Modeling (BIM) introduces a new way for architects, engineers and construction professionals to deliver coordinated, accurate and computable information about a building or project throughout the design and construction process. Through the use of software programs, BIM allows … Read more
It seems that over the past several months we have been hearing more and more about the hazards and codes related to electrical arc flash. There have been many seminars, conferences and training sessions popping up that are intended to raise awareness and explain the requirements associated with this electrical phenomenon. One reason we are … Read more
The last two winters have brought ice storms to South Central Pennsylvania causing extended power outages for facilities that lasted for two or more days. In fact, your facility may have been of the many affected by these storms. If not, were you prepared for these power outages, or just lucky? The summer season is … Read more
There are generally three reasons to consider a construction project for your organization: Modifications to existing space to accommodate shifting business requirements, improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs Expansion of existing buildings to accommodate growth or program changes New construction to support growth plans and address market needs. No matter the reason for the … Read more
You are probably familiar with the term commissioning, but did you know that there is a more cost-effective alternative to traditional commissioning? We call this process systems validation. Systems validation encompasses the foundation of commissioning but in a more customized, streamlined process. Systems validation can be an effective way to ensure your building’s systems function … Read more
We have all heard the buzz about grant and other funding opportunities that were recently developed for energy-related projects; however, making sense of what programs are available, when they become available, which options apply to your project and how to apply for this funding can be challenging and confusing. The initiative to develop grants, low … Read more
If your business is like most today, your construction and operating budgets have been drastically reduced, or maybe even eliminated. The capital equipment upgrades that you were planning for this year have been put on hold; and instead, your focus has turned to reducing operating costs and avoiding layoffs. If you are in the fortunate … Read more
The rising costs of water and energy have forced many businesses to examine ways to make their buildings more efficient. One option many building owners are implementing is installing water-and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures. The recent push to go green has caused most of the major plumbing manufacturers to begin designing new fixtures that use significantly … Read more
Project closeout should be one of the most celebrated phases of any construction project. The design team can see their knowledge and planning put to actual use; the construction team can pack up their equipment and “turn over the keys” and the owner can finally achieve functional use of the building or area that they … Read more
In the first three parts in our series on geothermal heat pump systems, we discussed ways to determine if this type of system is right your facility; how to get started with design by conducting a formation thermal conductivity test and how to distinguish between the types of heat pumps available. Once you have decided … Read more
Service contractors can be a vital resource to anyone charged with building management. They can provide flexible labor to supplement in-house staff during peak work periods and often offer a higher level of expertise in areas where in-house staff may have limited knowledge. Once you have identified the annual maintenance tasks required for your facility and … Read more
Last month, in part two of our series, we shared some tips about getting started with design and construction of a geothermal heat pump system by conducting a formation thermal conductivity test. The next step is to understand the different design options available for the system. There are two distinct types of heat pumps that … Read more
After reading part one in our series on geothermal heat pump systems, you should be better prepared to decide if this type of system is right for your facility. The next step is to understand how to get started with designing the system. If you determined that a geothermal heat pump system is right for … Read more
As summarized in last month’s article, it is important to understand your technician’s level of expertise (and possible limitations) as well as to make sure a few key items are included in your service contract. In addition, your control service provider should offer certain value-added services to make sure you are receiving the best possible … Read more
You may have heard about geothermal, or ground-coupled, water source heat pump systems as an alternative to oil and electric heat, but you may be wondering if it is the right type of HVAC system for your project. We have created a four part series dedicated to helping you identify ways to determine if a … Read more
Your controls service provider functions as a partner with your in-house staff and mechanical contractor to meet your goals for safe, effective, reliable and cost-effective building operation. To make sure you are getting the best possible service for your investment, it is important to know your technician’s level of expertise (and possible limitations). In addition, … Read more
Now that temperatures are falling and central chilled water plants are going offline, it may be time to measure how your plant performed this past summer. Were you able to distribute chilled water at design temperatures throughout your building or campus? Were you able to maintain designed temperature splits? Were the spaces served by your central plant … Read more
An electrical arc-flash is a hazardous electrical explosion caused by faulty conditions or a short circuit that can reportedly generate temperatures of up to 35,000ºF — nearly four times the temperature of the surface of the sun. The dangers associated with arc-flash include severe burns and even death. In addition, a facility can also face … Read more
The sun is setting earlier, football season is underway and cooler temperatures are here. It’s time to think about preparing your HVAC system for the heating season. Including the following steps in your fall maintenance plan can help you save money and prevent common problems throughout the winter season. Replace air filters on heating systems. Clogged … Read more
