Education

Important Changes to the PA Construction Code Act (Act 45) of 1999 | Vol. 3: The 2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

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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

Important Changes to the PA Construction Code Act (Act 45) of 1999 | Vol. 2: The 2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

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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

Important Changes to the PA Construction Code Act (Act 45) of 1999

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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

Navigating Today’s Complex Energy Landscape – Volume 5

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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

Navigating Today’s Complex Energy Landscape – Volume 4

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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

Navigating Today’s Complex Energy Landscape – Volume 3

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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

Navigating Today’s Complex Energy Landscape – Volume 2

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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

Navigating Today’s Complex Energy Landscape – Volume 1

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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

Are You Eligible for Lighting Rebates & Incentives?

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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

Proper Design & Equipment Selection for Telecommunications Rooms and Data Centers

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There are many factors to consider when designing for telecommunications rooms and data centers. The most critical factors include the amount of power and the appropriate cooling system needed to fit the requirements of the space, as well as a method for backing up your systems. High-density processing and data storage requires a significant amount … Read more

Is the Lighting on When Nobody’s Home?

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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

Electrical Arc Flash: Does It Really Apply to Me?

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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

Are You Prepared For An Extended Utility Outage?

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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

What is Systems Validation?

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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

Get Your Shovel Ready…Funding Relief for Your Next Project Could Be On Its Way

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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

Re-Prioritizing in a Tough Economy

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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

Project Closeout Starts at the Pre-Construction Meeting

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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

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part Three – System Options

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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

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part Two – Getting Started With a Formation Thermal Conductivity Test

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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

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part One – Are They Right for Your Project?

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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

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