Chillers have been the workhorses of building cooling systems for decades. In recent years, a renewed focus on energy efficiency has led to new and renewed trends in the chiller equipment market such as: Magnetic Bearing Compressors With this breakthrough technology, the compressor impeller shaft is levitated by a magnetic field. The result is a … Read more
Emergency showers, eyewashes and drench units are common equipment in hospitals, laboratories, science classrooms, maintenance shops and anywhere hazardous chemicals are handled. OSHA regulations require “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within … Read more
Spring is upon us and so is the unpredictable weather; a warm summer-like day next to a frigid, blustery cold day, sound familiar? As we get into spring and into those swing days before air conditioning systems are completely commissioned and operational from the winter shut-down, some systems are caught unprepared for the unseasonable temperatures … Read more
Approximately 40% of all US energy used in the United States is consumed by buildings making it the largest single category of energy use. If you are responsible for operating or maintaining one or more buildings, you have some experience in budgeting for the energy usage required to keep your buildings operating. You may have … Read more
The following are some key energy conservation code changes that engineers, architects and owners should know about in order to minimize negative impacts to your facility. Section 502.2 Increased insulation requirements and details for opaque building elements including specific requirements for Group R occupancies. Section 502.4 Limitation of hot gas bypass based upon unit size. The … Read more
The following are some key plumbing code changes that engineers, architects and owners should know about in order to minimize negative impacts to your current or future projects. Section 412.2 Identifies additional requirements for floor drains and states that they must have ready access for servicing and cleaning. This section further stipulates that drains are not … Read more
The following are some key mechanical code changes that engineers, architects and owners should know about in order to minimize negative impacts to your current or future projects. Section 306.5 Addresses the accessibility of equipment on rooftops and outlines when permanent ladders must be installed to make equipment readily accessible for service. This section states … Read more
Construction codes have been part of our society for thousands of years; and while the purpose of building codes have always been to ensure and maintain our safety, learning and staying current with the codes that affect our industry can be a daunting task. Regardless of how time consuming it may be, taking the time … Read more
Show Me The Money Along with new legislation surrounding the energy conservation movement comes a number of funding streams available to businesses and organizations like yours to implement energy improvement projects. Both energy conservation and alternative energy projects may be eligible for the following funding opportunities: Stimulus Programs Federal and State Grant Opportunities Low Interest … Read more
What We Call “Alternative” Today Will Soon Become Mainstream The technology surrounding alternative and renewable energy solutions continues to evolve as more emphasis is placed on economic development, climate change and America’s dependence on foreign energy sources. The stimulus programs initiated on the federal, state and local levels have also increased awareness and promoted interest … Read more
Energy Measurement & Conservation. Where Do I Begin? The first step in successfully reacting to the legislation changes and stimulus plans is to measure and evaluate your facility’s current energy performance to create a baseline from which you can use to develop a strategic energy plan for your facility. Before implementing any energy improvement initiative, … Read more
Legislation. Deregulation. What Does it All Mean? There are many drivers shaping the energy conservation movement including national security, energy independence, economic development, climate change and others. These factors have sparked legislative action that requires all of us to take a closer look at how, when and where we use energy and make informed decisions about … Read more
Confused About Energy? The word energy is arguably the most commonly used word in the architecture/engineering/construction industry these days; and rightfully so. The increasing cost associated with energy, along with the threat of energy instability and America’s dependence on foreign energy sources are certainly matters that need our attention. In addition, the recent removal of rate … Read more
Act 129, which was signed into law October 15, 2008, requires utility companies to reduce consumption for electricity by 1% by 2011 and 3% by 2013. Additionally, the Act requires a 4.5 percent reduction in peak demand by 2012. In an effort to encourage customers to reduce energy consumption, utility companies are offering a variety … Read more
A common misconception is that emergency power and uninterruptible power are the same; however, emergency power is not necessarily uninterruptible, and uninterruptible power may not provide the duration of power required during power outages. Both forms of back-up power may require significant up front and long-term costs, but understanding the difference between the two systems … Read more
“Commissioning is one of the most potent and yet least understood strategies for managing energy use, costs, and associated greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings sector.” – Evan Mills, Ph.D. Building owners and managers often ask what are the costs and benefits of building commissioning. A report completed by Evan Mills, Ph.D. of the Lawrence … Read more
The law requires that any multi-story, commercial or public building provide a means for a disabled person to request evacuation assistance in an emergency situation. These areas of refuge are generally required on each floor, with the exception of the ground floor. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific requirements for such features as … 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 word “efficiency” is not often associated with a power distribution system; however, following the appropriate protocol for conducting short circuit and coordination studies can help improve efficiency and safety for your building’s power distribution system. Short circuit and coordination studies are especially important for both normal and emergency power distribution systems within healthcare facilities … Read more
