The right questions might give you some design maneuverability among tight requirements.

Don’t leave out the topic of safety in your building design conversations.

Want some inspiration for health care IAQ? Look to the lungs.

Although it’s only 25% complete, the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) ongoing $75 million conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled buses is already saving more than 2.5 million gallons of diesel fuel and emitting 100 tons less bus emission contaminants annually in the greater Columbus, Ohio, area. 

ASHRAE 170 is just the baseline for the fight against hospital acquired infections (HAIs). The ongoing human and financial tolls taken by these infections point to the need for engineers and facilities to raise their IAQ game wherever possible. Move beyond the minimum and get into the what, where, and how of HEPA filtration, ultraviolet technology, and catalytic air cleaners.

Cornell’s Bill and Melinda Gates Hall required a suitably thoughtful design process. After considerable analysis, an unusual strategy emerged, led by chilled beams and DOAS with key dehumidification elements.

While times have changed, the hard work and dedication is the same.

Do you remember your first college Parents Weekend, when as a freshman you welcomed mom and dad into your room? Did you have to hastily transform your room into an “acceptable” living space just prior to this reunion?

Whether low-cost adjustments, targeted replacements, or a substantial retrofit when large equipment has run its course, you almost always have a good move available to conserve energy and expense.

For many retrofit projects, the use of a VFD seems like a “no brainer.” Drives are now cheaper and more reliable than ever, and the benefits of efficient control of motors can’t be beat.