News & Insights

Important Changes to the PA Construction Code Act (Act 45) of 1999 | Vol. 4: The 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (ECC)

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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

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

Emergency Power vs. Uninterruptible Power – There is a Difference

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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

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

Documented Costs & Benefits of Building Commissioning

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“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

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

Areas of Refuge

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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

BIM — The Next Generation of Design Technology

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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

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

Electrical Short Circuit and Coordination Studies for New and Existing Facilities

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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

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

Defining Owner’s Project Requirements

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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

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