By Wayne T. Hudson, LEED AP The term “sustainable construction” has become a buzzword these days, and as such it’s often misused and misunderstood. For instance, a building that is considered “green” because it is designed to be healthy for the people who work in it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s energy efficient. The gold standard […]
12
Jan
Cut Energy Consumption, Boost Savings Through ‘Recommissioning’
By Wayne T. Hudson, LEED AP There are many things you can do to optimize your building’s energy performance, in order to maximize savings and reduce waste. Replacing old boilers and chillers is certainly one way to do it. But you don’t need to take such a drastic, and often expensive, step if you don’t […]
10
Dec
Chiller Upgrades at bwtech@UMBC South
Project: Chiller Upgrades at bwtech@UMBC South Owner: University of Maryland at Baltimore County Partners: Noresco, Temp Air Company, EMJAY Engineering and Construction Co., Min Engineering Description: The owners of bwtech@UMBC South aded a new 640-ton central chilled water plant to provide increased capacity at a greatly increased efficiency. The heart of the new system is […]
18
Nov
Do I Need an Owner’s Representative?
By Wayne T. Hudson, LEED AP As a facilities management expert, you have many responsibilities and your main focus is and should be the outcome of a construction project — the building. Therefore, dealing with the details of the construction process, such as managing an energy performance improvement project — from soliciting bids and managing […]
15
Dec
Wicomico County Energy Performance Contract
Project: Wicomico County Energy Performance Contract Partner: Energy Systems Group (ESG), Temp Air Company, EMJAY Engineering and Construction Co., Min Engineering Description: The Wicomico County Energy Performance Contract (EPC) project involved upgrading the systems in a series of office complexes. Boiler and chiller upgrades were performed to improve efficiency. Testing and repairing many deficiencies allowed Wicomico County officials […]