Energy

 All facilities must be designed to meet capital budgets but must also be designed with future operating costs in mind. Energy efficiency will be achieved through a fully engineered system with properly selected equipment and controls systems. Energy modeling is also required by several states and local jurisdictions and must be performed properly so building permits can be received in a timely manner. Although there are several energy modeling programs available in our industry, we regularly use Trane Trace EM, which has been approved by the USGCB for LEED certification. This program requires detailed input related to building orientation, building location, building materials, systems, hours of operation and location. The program uses weather data and calculates the heating and cooling requirements and the annual energy usage.

 Our firm has extensive experience in the analysis and the study of energy consumption in new and existing buildings. Using energy simulation software our design team has the ability to complete an energy analysis for a building to assist in determining the best choice for HVAC systems. Completing an energy study for a building assists our design team to design systems that provide comfort as well as energy efficiency.