ADTRAN is a global electronics manufacturer headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. At over a million square feet, ADTRAN’s Huntsville campus has a sizable footprint, one further augmented by its numerous locations around the globe. Such a large facility footprint typically translates into a high energy consumption rate and high carbon footprint. In 2012, SEA was hired by ADTRAN to perform an ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Audit and provide subsequent commissioning services. Since that time, the partnership between SEA and ADTRAN has flourished, together identifying and implementing a vast array of energy-saving strategies for the telecommunications company. This deliberate collaboration offers a prime example of how strategic energy management can yield remarkable resource resilience and climate mitigation benefits. A standout among the many projects performed for ADTRAN is the 2023 Greenhouse Gas and Sustainability Study. This effort provided trend analysis on ADTRAN’s energy use, as well as data-driven insights into the manufacturer’s broader carbon footprint. The scope of work for this project included: A Carbon Footprint Assessment. Establishment of energy goals and decarbonization targets, starting with Scope 1 and 2 emissions controls, as part of ADTRAN’s Decarbonization Roadmap. Evaluation of facility improvement measures, development of projects, followed by implementation and integration of key energy solutions, all while keeping focus on operational success. SEA further assisted in creating Sustainability, Energy, and Load Shed Dashboards to reflect the resilience outcomes resulting from resource efficiency measures selected and implemented at the ADTRAN Huntsville facility. By the end of 2023, SEA and ADTRAN’s combined efforts resulted in a 50% reduction in energy consumption and a defined plan for decreasing the Huntsville campus’ carbon footprint. These practices have gone on to help shape resilience strategies and carbon neutralization efforts across the ADTRAN global enterprise

Here’s what happens to commercial buildings that do not have their energy data analyzed on a regular basis: they get less efficient over time. Efficient Equipment wears out. The staff isn’t able or motivated to keep up best practices. Proactive measures aren’t being taken to lower utility bills and drive down operational costs related to energy consumption. The truth is, up to 30 percent of the energy used by the average commercial building is waste—and the return on investment for developing an effective strategy is higher than you may think. Check out the following five ways investing more in a comprehensive solution will make you money in the long run. Your buildings will reach peak performance. At North Carolina State University in Raleigh, campus energy consumption peaked in 2008-2009 and has declined ever since, now down by 28 percent thanks in part to energy managers on staff. Electricity is generated on campus using an 11MW Combined Heat and Power system, lessening the amount of fuel needed for boilers and the amount of grid electricity purchased. HVAC audits generated nearly $200,000 in cost savings in fiscal year 2015 alone. You’ll stay on top of government mandates and certifications. A law in New York City requires all buildings over 50,000 square feet to conduct an energy audit and retro-commissioning study every 10 years. In 2010, New Mexico established new efficiency standards that required buildings undergoing system renovations to attain Energy Star certification or an equivalent standard. Energy experts can help you build an energy solution strategy to stay up to date on local and federal decrees so you stay in compliance, as well as help you achieve Energy Star or LEED accreditations, adding value to your property. You’ll be competitive in new technologies. New best practices are emerging everyday. The right energy professionals will provide access to the latest innovations in sustainability including building automation systems, building envelope and renewables. An energy specialist working under contract with the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, helped design seven major conservation measures for the new net-zero hospital at The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. The plan included renewable energy systems like a 1MW solar array system that tracks the sun for greater efficiency, saving the hospital $310,000 per year. You’ll create a corporate culture that cares about efficiency. An energy solution means having focused resources that can help revitalize culture change. University campuses are giving real face time to making sustainability appealing by engaging students, faculty and staff in new ways. At Oregon State University, anyone who participates in sustainability programs are eligible for prizes and other incentives. At NC State, energy management has worked with the University Sustainability Office to create a campaign called Change Your State, which allows students to track the impact of their choices related to travel, wellness, energy use and water consumption by way of a digital campus dashboard. You’ll make money, really. Energy professionals cite that an effective strategy can produce an annual ROI of 4:1. It is a statistic that federal agencies like the Department of Defense have enjoyed for the last decade, and commercial business owners are realizing that now is the time for them to join in the savings as well. This is money that can be reinvested into your company to create more jobs, invest in new projects, better compensate your staff, lower the price of your goods and pay off debt. Energy savings can also be used to improve cash flow and create high property values. Here’s what an energy solution will actually consist of: monitoring your energy consumption and analyzing the data; identifying and quantifying energy waste; estimating how much money the right energy savings measures could save you; looking for solutions, including rebates related to equipment replacement or energy-related upgrades; developing projects to upgrade existing facilities; tracking the progress of energy saving measures by analyzing meter data; providing staff training and creative marketing of your energy conservation program. A solution focused on energy and water conservation can establish realistic site goals and save you the most amount of money. Who can resist when your investment is so quickly covered—and surpassed by—the savings it brings to the table? Article originally posted at al.com. SHARE

SEA is proud to announce that we are now officially certified by the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality commissioning, testing, and energy performance services. NEBB certification is widely recognized as a benchmark of excellence in the building systems industry. It reflects a firm’s ability to meet rigorous technical standards, maintain proven quality assurance processes, and deliver accurate, reliable results across complex building systems. By achieving this certification, SEA joins a select group of firms that have demonstrated the expertise and discipline required to meet NEBB’s nationally recognized standards. For our clients, this certification translates directly into added confidence. Whether supporting new construction commissioning, retro-commissioning efforts, or ongoing building optimization, SEA’s NEBB certification ensures that our work aligns with industry best practices for system performance, documentation, and verification. It also strengthens our ability to support owners, facility managers, and project teams in achieving energy efficiency goals, improving occupant comfort, and extending the life of critical building systems. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and our continued investment in technical excellence. As building systems grow more complex and performance expectations continue to rise, SEA remains focused on delivering solutions that are both technically sound and results-driven. We look forward to leveraging our NEBB certification to further support our clients and their facilities.

Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) is pleased to welcome Kenny Keenan as Director of Business Development. In this role, Kenny will help advance strategic growth initiatives and strengthen client partnerships across SEA’s core markets. Kenny brings a strong combination of business insight and technical understanding to SEA. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College and an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery. As a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), he draws on experience in energy engineering consulting, operational strategy, and client engagement to support practical solutions for complex challenges. Kenny’s background in small business began early, working in his family’s business as a teenager and later co-owning a small business with a longtime friend and mentor. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, pickleball, and basketball with family and friends. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Kari, their son, Kade, and their two Australian mini-labradoodles, Gracie and Oliver.

Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) has been named a Top Building Optimization and Commissioning Services provider for 2025  by Real Estate Business Review . This recognition reflects SEA’s leadership in energy engineering services , building commissioning , building optimization , and practical energy solutions  for federal and commercial facilities. SEA is proud to share that Brenda Phillips , Kallie Phillips , and Cesar Hernandez  were featured in the article for their contributions to advancing SEA’s commissioning practice. Over the past year, Kallie and Cesar have taken on expanded responsibilities, supported the development of others, and strengthened the delivery of commissioning services across multiple projects. The Impact of Commissioning, Retro-Commissioning, and Ongoing Commissioning High-quality building commissioning services , retro-commissioning , and ongoing commissioning directly strengthen building performance throughout the lifecycle. These services form a core part of SEA’s energy engineering services  and building optimization solutions  for commercial and federal facilities. Commissioning (New Construction) Commissioning ensures new building systems are installed, tested, and functioning as intended. This process improves energy performance, reduces operational issues, and supports long-term reliability from day one. Quick, real-world examples: Verifying HVAC systems meet design intent before occupancy. Testing building automation controls to confirm proper sequencing. Ensuring lighting controls (sensors, timers, dimming) operate correctly. Confirming life-safety systems integrate and communicate as required. Retro-Commissioning (Existing Buildings) Retro-commissioning identifies inefficiencies and operational drift in existing buildings. RCx provides fast, measurable improvements in energy performance, maintenance costs, and occupant comfort—often with low or no-cost adjustments. Quick, real-world examples: Identifying air-handling units operating 24/7 and resetting schedules to match building use. Correcting simultaneous heating and cooling caused by control or sensor issues. Fixing faulty economizer operation to maximize free cooling. Updating outdated control logic to reduce wasted energy and extend equipment life. Ongoing Commissioning Ongoing commissioning maintains optimized performance over time through continuous monitoring, data review, and system adjustments. This service is especially valuable for organizations focused on maintaining long-term efficiency and reliable building performance. Quick, real-world examples: Monitoring real-time system data to detect drift in HVAC efficiency Tracking alarms and resolving issues before failures occur Adjusting setpoints seasonally to support comfort and efficiency Providing continuous updates to facility teams based on trend analysis and equipment behavior Together, these commissioning services deliver long-term value—lower energy use, improved operational stability, extended equipment life, and strengthened building performance. They also play a key role in SEA’s commitment to practical, high-impact energy engineering services  and building optimization  for clients across the country.

Sain Engineering Associates (SEA) is thrilled to announce the launch of our refreshed brand. While the adjustments are subtle, they carry intentional meaning. As an employee-owned company, the three lines in our logo symbolize SEA’s pledge to Serve Our Clients, Fulfill Our People, and Manage Our Business. The update features a refined palette that honors our legacy colors and a consistent font to reflect our growth as an industry leader.   “Our brand refresh was deliberate and thoughtfully done, respecting the foundation SEA was built on, while reflecting who SEA is today,” said SEA President Brenda Phillips. “It represents dependability, resilience, and our commitment to delivering trusted energy solutions to our clients.   This brand refresh marks an exciting step as we continue building on our legacy and shaping the future of SEA.

Birmingham, AL – January 11, 2021 – Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA,) an energy engineering firm, announced today that they have become 100% employee owned, effective January 1, 2021. SEA’s founder, Steve Sain, sold the remaining 60% of his ownership interest to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust, allowing current and future employees to gain complete ownership in the Company at no cost to each individual. Employee-owned companies often see greater productivity, higher profitability and increased revenue. Employee-owned companies are companies in which the staff owns stock shares, giving them a stronger voice in management decision-making. Effectively, the ESOP is a qualified retirement plan which, based on company performance, could generate significant retirement benefits for SEA’s Employee-Owners. It also inherently minimizes taxation of a company’s earnings, redirecting it toward its Employee-Owners. Commenting on the announcement, Brenda Phillips, President of SEA, said, “Today, we are a robust competitor in the energy engineering world. SEA provides building commissioning and optimization, as well as energy resilience for both private and federal government agencies. We believe our expertise drives innovation and our extraordinary service propels client success. Delivering unparalleled service requires great employees who are focused and dedicated to the business at hand and that clearly describes our team. We are thrilled to be able to provide this benefit to them.” Steve Sain, who will officially retire but serve as Chairman of the newly formed Board of Directors, also noted: “In light of the current challenges facing American workers, an ESOP is an excellent way to ensure the continuation of our world-class service model, help retain valued employees, and enhance the company’s productivity and profitability. We foster our ownership culture throughout our organization, including our staff members located all over the globe, and even our rank and file constitute the majority of voting members on our Board of Directors. I fully expect our ESOP to increase the retirement security of our Employee Owners, particularly if we continue on the growth path we have enjoyed in previous years. I’m proud of our team for achieving this pivotal moment in SEA’s 30+ year history.” Sain adds, “I believe SEA will remain relevant and focused on what makes it successful from the perspective of our clients and employees. SEA is poised with an incredible team to lead my legacy into the future with talent and dedication. I have no doubt that the leadership of SEA will ensure foundational principles for serving our clients, fulfilling our people and managing our business with relentless integrity.” ABOUT SEA Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) is a widely recognized global leader in energy engineering for federal programs with their unprecedented success of the Resource Efficiency Management (REM) program which has resulted in enhanced sustainability and increased resiliency for military installations and federal agencies throughout the globe. Today, SEA continues its mission to serve the Federal Government while expanding services into healthcare, education, commercial and manufacturing industries by providing a portfolio of comprehensive energy services with innovative building commissioning and optimization processes, alternative and renewable energy solutions and resiliency strategies, all addressing climate change with verifiable results. Our licensed professionals bring technical expertise while providing a seamless experience through relationship-building to ensure facility owners achieve their goals and objectives for optimized facility performance. Located in Birmingham, AL, SEA is a small employee owned business that has achieved world-class energy excellence for its clients for more than 30 years.

In a world where operational costs are rising and energy resilience is more than a buzzword, energy efficiency projects are proving to be one of the smartest moves a business can make. From upgrading HVAC systems to implementing advanced energy monitoring tools, these initiatives are no longer optional; they're strategic. Whether you're overseeing a commercial complex, a government building, or an industrial facility, smart energy investments can lead to measurable improvements in cost control, reliability, and long-term resilience. At Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA), we’ve seen firsthand how tailored energy solutions can improve resilience, reduce risk, and stretch budgets further than many expect. What Are Energy Efficiency Projects? Energy efficiency projects focus on reducing consumption while maintaining or improving building performance. These efforts can include HVAC system upgrades, retrofits, energy monitoring systems, or full building automation . The goal is to optimize what you already have and identify where targeted improvements can deliver the biggest return. Why These Projects Matter Efficiency projects go beyond short-term savings. They support long-term planning by extending equipment life, reducing unplanned outages, and minimizing emergency repairs. For facilities with aging infrastructure, they shift the strategy from reactive maintenance to proactive investment. Project Types That Deliver Result s Industrial Energy Efficiency In large-scale facilities, fine-tuning systems or upgrading outdated equipment can result in substantial annual savings. Common opportunities include recalibrating controls, replacing inefficient motors, and improving load balancing across equipment. Building Automation Systems (BAS) BAS platforms centralize control of systems like HVAC and lighting. When properly designed and maintained, these systems provide real-time feedback, automate energy-saving strategies, and improve occupant comfort. HVAC System Upgrades and Retro-Commissioning HVAC systems account for a significant portion of energy use. Projects that improve performance, whether through system upgrades, control adjustments, or retro-commissioning , can reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and ensure equipment functions as designed. Energy Monitoring Systems Real-time energy data is a powerful tool. Monitoring platforms reveal usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and provide the insight needed to make informed operational decisions. These tools support both short-term fixes and long-term strategies. Energy Retrofits Retrofits update existing systems such as lighting, windows, or insulation without a full replacement. These upgrades are cost-effective and can significantly improve energy performance in older buildings. Managing Energy Projects Effectively Successful energy efficiency projects require experienced management. That includes benchmarking, energy auditing, financial planning, procurement, implementation oversight, and post-project verification. A clear project roadmap with milestones and consistent communication ensures projects stay on track and deliver real results. Final Thoughts If you're looking to reduce energy costs, modernize systems, and improve operational efficiency, energy projects are one of the most effective ways to get started. Whether you take on a full-building strategy or start with a simple retrofit, the long-term benefits, in cost savings, system performance, and energy reliability can be substantial.

It’s a great day when our clients and SEA team members are recognized for their exceptional work. SEA has worked alongside the MCAS Cherry Point UESC Team in support of their mission, and the team was recently recognized with a 2024 Federal Energy and Water Management Award in the Project Category by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP).   2024 Federal Energy and Water Management Award in the Project Category The award celebrates the successful completion of the Cherry Point Energy Security and Resiliency Infrastructure Project—an effort that enhanced operational efficiency and energy resilience across more than 100 facilities on 29,000 acres. Improvements included HVAC and lighting upgrades, electrical modernization, control system standardization, and water infrastructure enhancements. The impact: over 90,000 MBtu in energy saved, 140 million gallons of water conserved, and $2 million+ in energy cost savings in FY23 alone.   Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. values our continued collaboration with the Marine Corps in advancing energy resilience and infrastructure modernization at MCAS Cherry Point.   We extend our appreciation to the government partners whose leadership made this project a success: CAPT Jeffrey Jasinski Gary Jackson Ralph Merrill   We also recognize our SEA team members who contributed key insights throughout the effort: Craig Frank Ken Greene   Congratulations to the entire team for this recognition and the real-world results driving energy security forward.   🔗 Learn more: https://www.energy.gov/femp/2024-federal-energy-and-water-management-awards-winners   #FEWMA #FederalGovernment #EnergyEfficiency #WaterResilience #ReducingEnergyWaste #SainEngineeringAssociates #EnergySolutions

The Innovation: Water-Free, Self-Cleaning Solar Panels Maher Maymoun, an expert in energy management and building energy optimization, has developed a self-cleaning solar panel technology that eliminates the need for water. This revolutionary advancement in renewable energy was published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy and selected as a featured article, underscoring its impact on the future of energy resilience. Maher’s solution utilizes piezoelectric films  to create vibrations that takes dust off the  solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency without using water. Key Benefits of This Technology: Increases Energy Efficiency – Keeping panels clean optimizes solar energy production , improving energy savings opportunities . Reduces Operating Costs  – Minimizing energy consumption analysis expenses improves energy cost savings . Eliminates Water Use  – Supports sustainability solutions  in regions where water conservation is critical. Improves Scalability  – This solution can be applied to large-scale commercial energy audits  and government energy solutions . Replicated to other applications – such as using the same technology concept with other applications like developing self-cleaning outdoor security cameras to improve reliability and resolution in dusty regions. By commercializing and integrating this technology into solar energy systems , organizations can enhance their resource efficiency management (REM ) strategies while reducing reliance on costly cleaning methods. The Challenge: Maintaining Solar Panel Efficiency As energy consultants , we understand that solar energy  plays a critical role in sustainable engineering solutions . However, one of the biggest challenges for solar panel efficiency  is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and environmental debris , which reduces energy output between 20%-40% in dusty regions. Traditional cleaning solutions  for solar panel maintenance rely on water-based cleaning methods , presenting two major issues: Water Scarcity  – many solar installations are located in arid regions where water is a limited resource. High Maintenance Costs  – Commercial energy services  often require expensive manual or automated cleaning systems, increasing either capital investment or operational expenses . Recognizing these challenges, Maher Maymoun developed an innovative approach to solar panel maintenance  that aligns with energy conservation measures  and sustainability goals . A Collaborative Breakthrough in Energy Management This research was a collaborative effort  between Maher and experts from the University of North Texas (USA) and experts in Jordan . The findings were so impactful that the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy  selected it as a featured article , recognizing its importance in advancing energy resilience planning and alternative and renewable energy audits . 🔗  Read the full research article here:   Journal Link   Advancing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. At Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA), we are committed to pioneering energy efficiency solutions that enhance sustainability and optimize performance. As a leader in energy consulting services, we take pride in recognizing the innovations of our talented team members.

Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) is pleased to announce our recent award of the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus (OASIS+) contract.  Selection for this “Best in Class” 10-year federal contract facilitates government access to SEA’s premier energy engineering and consultative services.  An enduring and trusted fixture in the federal energy sector, SEA will operate under the Technical and Engineering Services domain, as well as the Facilities Services domain. Our domain contracts include more than 40 NAICS service codes, and will extend our expertise in energy audits and assessments , facility optimization , on-site energy management , and resilience and sustainability consultation, to a broadened range of federal agencies.  “SEA has a legacy of delivering exceptional energy and engineering solutions to federal agencies,” said Brenda Phillips, President and CEO of SEA. “We are excited to build on our strong track record, expanding the availability of our comprehensive energy services to a new array of government clients via the OASIS+ contract program.” OASIS+ is a government-wide, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (MA-IDIQ) contract designed to streamline procurement of top-tier professional services like those of SEA for federal agencies . OASIS+ introduces a flexible, domain-based structure that leverages technology and automation to simplify the federal acquisition process. It consolidates task order solicitations, offers 10-year periods of performance, and supports various contract types, including fixed-price, time and materials, and cost-reimbursement contracts. SEA looks forward to facilitating results for your energy resilience and sustainability needs via the OASIS+ contract program. Let’s talk today! seamarketing@saineng.com .

The National Roofing Program (NRP) , led by Justin Reeder and Bud Lewis , oversees roofing maintenance and energy efficiency upgrades for 1,254 Army Reserve facilities, covering 41.9 million square feet across eight time zones, including projects in American Samoa and Puerto Rico. The NRP focuses on ensuring the durability and operational readiness of these facilities.   Decades of Impact Over the past 27 years, the NRP has re-roofed more than 40% of Army Reserve facilities, representing a $400 million investment. This investment has led to over $5.4 million in annual savings through energy efficiency improvements and recover roofing projects. Despite the challenges of managing aging infrastructure—the average facility is 40 years old—the NRP has minimized annual roof leaks to just 10 per year, all resolved under warranty at no cost to the Army Reserve.   Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings The NRP improves facility performance by increasing roof insulation R-values, aligning with ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standards. R-value measures resistance to heat flow; higher values improve insulation and reduce energy costs. Since 2007, the program has installed R-30 roof insulation, resulting in over $4.6 million in annual energy savings.   Recover Roofing and Warranty Extensions Many roofs managed by the NRP endure extreme weather conditions, including hailstorms and heavy rainfall, while maintaining their durability. Roofs that remain in good condition over time may qualify for a 20-year manufacturer warranty extension through a "recover" process. This involves adding a new cover board and new membrane plies, extending the roof's lifespan without requiring a full tear-off. This cost-effective solution, offered by most modified bitumen manufacturers, preserves insulation, minimizes waste, and has generated $912,050* in annual savings. (*depending on the number of roof recovered in a given year)   Ensuring Resilience and Sustainability The National Roofing Program supports the Army Reserve’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by lowering energy costs and minimizing waste. With buildings accounting for 40% of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S., the NRP’s improvements play a key role in advancing sustainability and resilience in facility management.