61 items found for ""
- Calhoun Community College
Continuous Commissioning® Services SEA has helped reduce utility costs by 27% for a total cost savings of $114,793 over 14 months. AT A GLANCE Calhoun Community College Facts 34M Construction / Renovation Cost $114,793 Total Cost Savings 90k Square Feet 2016 Completion Date About the Facility Calhoun Community College Huntsville / Cummings Research Park campus is the only two year college campus in the nation located in a major research park. This $34M construction / renovation project was recently completed providing increased access and a more collegiate environment for students. Sain Engineering Associates (SEA) was contracted to develop the energy strategy and supplement that strategy with a master plan to provide a long-term vision for making sound energy decisions to reduce energy consumption, minimize operating expenditures and extend equipment life. SEA developed the energy strategy by conducting site surveys, interviewing staff and coordinating the master plan by analyzing the age and condition of existing equipment. SEA also provided assistance in making recommendations for energy program staffing and financing plans. Recommended Solutions The documented utility savings resulted from optimizing HVAC equipment accordingly: Optimized hot water supply temperature to reduce boiler demand while maintaining heating needs Corrected air handling units operating inefficiently Monitored zone reheat valves for overcooled areas, verified flow rates and design Modified terimnal box flow rates to reduce unoccupied cooling/heating Investigated leaking or open heating values on air handling units/terminal boxes Examined chilled water valves for leakage Programmed roof top units to reset the supply air temperature Adjusted building pressure setpoint on roof top units to prevent excessive exhaust fan operation Adjusted economizer setpoints on roof top units to better utilize cool, low humidity oustide air Tested outside air and return air damper operation on air handling units Built dashboard to easily monitor air handling unit operation, terminal box reheats, chilled and hot water temperatures Download Project Profile
- Camp McDowell
Energy Audit and Solar Feasibility Study About the Facility Camp McDowell is the camp and conference center of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and was established in 1923. It is located in Nauvoo, Alabama. The camp is comprised of 80 buildings and can accommodate more than 780 overnight guests. The directors of the camp chose to engage Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) to conduct a feasibility study for 100 kW of Solar Photovoltaic array with an opportunity to document low cost energy efficiency opportunities on the campus. Solar Analysis A third party previously recommended a 100 kW solar PV array to Camp McDowell as one of multiple energy sources to be considered in meeting the camp’s vision of becoming a Net-Zero Energy Campus. SEA’s analysis is based on the feasibility of the recommended 100 kW solar PV array. SEA engineers visited Camp McDowell to determine the optimum location and system type for this solar PV array. Feasibility for a solar array is dependent on the following factors: System selection Location Generation capacity Cost Funding After a thorough investigation of each factor, SEA determined that a ground-mounted array on one of three flat, open locations could generate 163,000 kWh annually, or 12% of estimated electrical consumption. This could save the camp approximately $16,700 in utilities each year. Low Cost Energy Efficiency Opportunities SEA also identified several low cost energy efficiency improvements during the one-day site visit. 30 buildings were assessed to seek opportunities for utility savings by making simple changes. Building types investigated included cabin and dormitories, chapels, recreation areas, an infirmary and meeting halls with small kitchens and restrooms. Recommendations, included: adjusting lavatory flow, replacing insulation, turning off day-burning lights and installing door seals. Net-Zero Energy Campus Camp McDowell ultimately wishes to become a Net- Zero Energy Campus. To address the 88% electrical consumption remaining after installation of a solar array, SEA recommends developing an Energy Master Plan. This plan will include future generating options, consideration for base load generation, energy efficiency awareness promotion, and the impact of purchasing and maintaining existing electricity distribution assets currently owned by Alabama Power Company. Download Project Profile
- The Dixie Group – Candlewick Yarns
Measurement and Verification Services About the Facility The Dixie Group’s Candlewick Yarns manufacturing facility primarily produces yarn for the company’s carpet business, selling to independent carpet manufacturers. Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted by The Dixie Group to perform Measurement and Verification (M&V) of five energy conservation measures. The deliverable included five annual reports that summarized the measurement and verification baseline detailing the testing and quantification for the validity of energy conservation measures. Overall, the project achieved energy and cost savings through retrofit of the lighting system and replacement of the boiler, air compressor, unit heater and power-heat set treating tunnel. Methodology Baseline Year: The M&V baseline was determined to test and quantify the validity of energy conservation measures that were to be implemented in the Candlewick Yarn’s manufacturing facility. The baseline was developed for natural gas consumption and electricity usage. A baseline equation was found for both electric and natural gas consumption with determination coefficients of 77.48% and 75.28%, respectively. These coefficients indicated considerable correlation between the consumption and the criteria against which they were judged. Year 1 : According to facility personnel, the overall output of the plan has increased over the study period. Increased product led to more run-hours for the significant energy users of the plan, such as air compressors and cabling motors, which will result in a higher billed kWh usage. While replacing the heat-set machine and air compressor did save energy, the changes in production resulted in higher electrical usage for all other machines. The variability of the chiller made it impossible to verify the savings associated with replacing the compressor and heat-set machine without some sort of metering. Year 2: The implemented ECMs have saved money and decreased consumption of electricity and natural gas compared to the base line year resulting in energy efficiency increases. Years 3 and 4: Reports outlined savings generated from the ECMs. Technologies Evaluated and Upgraded: Boiler Lighting Retrofits Air Compressor Unit Heaters Power-heat Set Heat Treating Tunnels Download Project Profile
- Naval Support Facility – Diego Garcia
Energy Assessments and Retro Commissioning Services SEA helped Naval Support Facility identify and repair issues with excessive humidification; in turn, verifying $13M in annual savings. AT A GLANCE Diego Garcia Facts 116 Buildings Audited 42 Buildings Commissioned 15 ECM’s Identified 1.5M Total Square Feet of Audited and Commissioned Space About the Facility The Diego Garcia Military Base is located in the Indian Ocean’s Chagos Archipelago, more than 1,000 miles from the nearest continent. Its position is strategically vital for the U.S., allowing it to project its military strength quickly into Asia and Africa. Building types on this base, include: housing, medical, public service, administration, data centers and fitness facilities. Scope of Work To be in compliance with EISA 2007, Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted by G4S-Parsons Pacific to conduct an ASHRAE Level II Audit for 116 buildings across 1.5 million square feet. The project began with SEA providing expert energy, utility and water consulting by evaluating control systems and placing an emphasis on the identification of operations and conditions that significantly impacted indoor environmental air quality. SEA was also expected to provide the data needed to benchmark, measure and monitor current facility requirements and energy consumption to aide with continued future improvements. This audit resulted in the identification of 15 Energy Conservation Measures for lighting, building envelope, water, HVAC, controls and renewables. Based on the results of the Audit, SEA was then contracted to perform retro commissioning services for 42 buildings across 879 thousand square feet at the Naval Support Facility. Additionally, SEA performed a thermal imaging survey to help identify problems experienced by occupants involving moisture build-up in certain facilities. The survey indicated that several leaks to the exterior envelope were causing excess humidity and required improvements to reduce the infiltration of outside air into the facility. While SEA did not make the initial repairs, we were instrumental in the investigation of the systems to create the requirements needed for the installation and ensured repairs were accurate. As a result, SEA was able to verify annual savings of $13 million. Download Project Profile
- Eglin Air Force Base
Investment Grade Audit and Preliminary Feasibility Study In just six weeks, SEA helped Eglin AFB identify 17 ECMs across 52 buildings and 3.5M square feet to achieve $10.3M in cost savings per year. AT A GLANCE Eglin Air Force Base Facts $10.3M Annual Estimated Cost Savings 52 Buildings Assessed in Six Weeks 3.5M Square Feet About the Facility Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) is located in Okaloosa County, Florida and is home to the Air Armament Center (ACC), one of the four product centers in the Air Force Material Command (AFMC). The mission of Eglin AFB is to support the ACC and the several tenant commands and associate units with services to include civil engineering, personnel, logistics, communications, computer, medical and all other host services. Eglin AFB needed to partner with a team to provide an assessment to maximize building energy and water efficiency to reduce overall utility costs. More than $27 million for energy and an additional $872 thousand for water was spent in the year previous to the audit. Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) provided investment grade energy assessments to Eglin AFB. The base-wide energy assessment included 52 of the major energy – consuming buildings totaling more than 3.5 million square feet. The assessments were completed in six weeks from first day on site to submission of the final report. Because of the diversity of services located at Eglin AFB, energy assessments were performed on a variety of buildings, including: research, administration, maintenance, dormitories, warehouses and hangars. This audit primarily targeted the identification of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for each audited building and the development of capital improvement projects that are justified based on their potential energy savings. In addition to observation of existing equipment and current operations, a computer model of each building was created and analyzed in eQuest. SEA identified 17 ECMS and the total estimated savings was $10.3 million per year. Download Project Profile
- Fort Sam Houston, Texas
Investment Grade Audit and Retro-Commissioning Services SEA identified 169 ECMs that helped provide Fort Sam Houston with $800k in annual savings. AT A GLANCE Fort Sam Houston Facts $800k Annual Estimated Cost Savings 20 Buildings Assessed 2.6M Annual Savings as a Result of Combining Energy Plants About the Facility Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas. Known as “Fort Sam,” it is named for a U.S. Senator from Texas. The installation’s missions include serving as the command headquarters for the United States Army North, South and Medical Command. The installation includes a medical department, school, recruiting and processing station. Fort Sam was in need of implementing an Energy Engineering Analysis Program (EEAP) initiative to identify energy savings across 20 buildings, including an analysis of building envelopes, ventilation air systems, controls, interior and exterior lighting, water use systems and appliances, as well as renewable energy opportunities. Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to provide an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) to investigate central energy plants for potential savings. Two Central Energy Plants at Fort Sam were serving outlying barracks, a galley and office buildings. Previous to the audit, the two plants were not connected for everyday operation. Fort Sam had a desire for this connectivity and even attempted to connect the chillers two years previous to the SEA IGA, but the project failed. As part of the audit, SEA identified an opportunity to combine the East/West CEPs into one system. SEA recommended creating a single primary/secondary system at the East CEP that would enable all buildings to be serviced by new VFD chillers installed in the West Plant. This satisfied Fort Sam’s desire with a cross connection between the two plants by converting the distribution pumping to an efficient variable volume design. As a result of this connection alone, SEA provided an estimated 2.6 million kWh and $200 thousand in annual savings. Other projects identified during the IGA, included: 169 Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) Prioritized tiers of low/no cost, moderate and significant investment projects Renewable energy technologies Summary of long payback of ECMs (with a savings to investment ratio of less than 1.0) Download Project Profile
- Gadsden State Community College
New Construction Commissioning Services About the Facility Gadsden State Community College recently constructed a new science building on their East Broad Campus. The 57,000 sq. ft. building has 12 new classrooms, eight labs, 22 offices, a lecture hall and a conference room. The building can also be used as a tornado shelter for faculty, staff and students. The construction project is one of three projects that are the result of the $25M bond issue approved by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. Two other projects, including an addition to the Cheaha Center on the Ayers Campus and the renovation of Allen Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus are also included in the expansion. AT A GLANCE Gadsden State Community College Facts $13M Project Cost 57k Square Feet 2020 Completion Date Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc (SEA) was contracted to provide new construction commissioning services on the mechanical design. The collaboration with the design team began early so that SEA could recognize and provide expertise on new technologies, standards and potential conflicts prior to construction. By engaging early, SEA was able to guide the application of various building envelope assemblies to directly impact the water-tightness of the building foundation and wall cavities, saving both time and money. The building fascade includes brick and stone masonry, as well as some precast concrete accents. SEA led the effort to ensure these systems came together seamlessly, recognizing and resolving issues prior to completion. Some of the issues addressed included masonry weeps and product compatability issues with waterproofing and moisture protection products. SEA is actively leading the mechanical systems commissioning effort by coordinating with the various trades to help develop commissioning plans that are both efficient and thorough. Ultimately, SEA’s activities on-site assist general contractors by helping them to avoid potential pitfalls during the construction process. SEA can make the biggest impact for saving time and money by being involved in the new construction process as early as possible. Let us be your guide. Download Project Profile
- Lawson State Community College
New Construction Commissioning Services About the Facility The success center for Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama is a 60,000 sq. ft. two-story building that serves as a focal point for Lawson State. The building includes ample communal space, food services, student resources, an auditorium, financial aid centers and bookstore. The building was completed in March, 2019 and will serve students of Lawson State for years to come. AT A GLANCE Lawson State Facts 15M Project Cost 60k Square Feet 2019 Completion Date Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to provide commissioning services for HVAC, controls, lighting, building envelope, hot water, and Test, Adjust, Balance (TAB). SEA was also contracted to coordinate and document training for major equipment to perform a second season building evaluation. The scope of work included design review and the development of a commissioning plan. The commissioning plan included pre-functional testing for performance procedures for HVAC, envelope, a domestic water heating system, lighting and electrical controls. Construciton phase responsibilities included a review of envelope construction, major equipment installation, pre-functional testing for component startups and functional testing for complete system. Download Project Profile
- Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Continuous Commissioning® Services SEA helped reduce utility consumption by 50% with a cost savings of more than 44% for a total savings of $116,920. AT A GLANCE Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Facts 2 Commissioned Buildings 30k Square Feet 2020 Completion Date About the Facility Lurleen B. Wallace Community College offers opportunities for learning and growth by providing academic and technical instruction, workforce development, and continuing education in a culturally rich environment. With three campuses throughout Alabama, this project focused on commissioning work for the Greenville, Alabama campus. Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was selected to provide commissioning services for the HVAC systems of two seperate buildings, as well as the chiller plant. Scope of Work SEA began a phased commissioning approach in 2016 for the two-story technology center building and the Wendell Mitchell Conference Center. Both buildings have air handlers and variable air volume boxes with electric reheat and exhaust fans. The chiller plant has two 60-ton chillers with primary and secondary flow. SEA performed functional testing on all HVAC components and identified many issues that have plagued the campus since construction was completed. Upon investigation, SEA worked to repair the issues. Additional testing determined that the system was responding to the various energy conservation strategies. These remedies also helped to improve building comfort and increase overall efficiency. SEA also developed an instructional manual for the facility staff to help navigate the new building automation systems that were put into place. Results This process resulted in reducing energy costs by 32% with the highest month yielding a 41% reduction. This resulted in the lowest monthly cost on record. Overall, utility consumption had been reduced by 43% at the end of 2019. Savings to date, includes: Retro Commissioning Savings of $116,920 Average Consumption Savings of 54% Average Cost Savings of 44.6% Download Project Profile
- NASA – Marshall Space Flight Center
Retro Commissioning Services SEA helped identify $90k in savings and a reduction of 15% in energy consumption. About the Facility The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is the U.S. government’s civilian rocketry and spacecraft propulsion research center. As the largest NASA center, MSFC’s first mission was developing the Saturn launch vehicles for the Apollo program. It was founded in 1960 and employs more than 6,000, including 2,300 civil servants. SEA was contracted by NASA on two occasions to perform retro commissioning (RCx) for the National Center of Advanced Manufacturing and the Astrionics Laboratory, a total of more than 439k square feet. The goal of this effort was to verify through hands-on-evaluation and testing that the buildings were operating at peak energy efficiency. SEA also provided guidance, instructions and overall execution of the projects to recognize energy consumption reduction and potential savings. AT A GLANCE Marshall Space Flight Center Facts 90k Potential Savings 15% Reduction in Energy Consumption 439k Square Feet National Center of Advanced Manufacturing RCx services were solicited after SEA completed a low/no cost assessment of various facilities at MSFC. SEA recommended two low cost measures: upgrading incandescent fixtures and repairing compressed air lines. SEA also recommended RCx of the HVAC controls system. As the commissioning lead, SEA coordinated the entire process and scope of work for the project, focusing on HVAC operational investigation and Direct Digital Control systems. SEA put an emphasis on the identification of operations or conditions that significantly impacted Indoor Environmental Air Quality (IAQ), current facility requirements, operability of the building, and/or energy consumption. The results of RCx services at the building were: Improved environmental conditions for occupants Reduced complaints and maintenance work orders Overall reduced energy usage Increased facility life with reduced facility lifecycle operating costs Astrionics Laboratory SEA was also contracted to perform a tri-fold study, which included an energy assessment, LEED® survey and retro commissioning study for the MSFC Astrionic Laboratory. This two-story structure originally built in 1957 is over 323k square feet and has undergone many renovations. The primary use of the facility is for offices and laboratories. Steam is provided by the Army’s Redstone Arsenal central steam generation plant with domestic hot water provided by tank heaters scattered throughout the facility. SEA developed tests to measure the Energy Utilization Index and Energy Cost, which was initially very high. As a result, SEA made the following recommendations for increased savings: Repair torn or missing pipe insulation on steam, hot water and chilled water lines Fix compressed air leaks serving HVAC and lab process equipment Replace existing inlet vane operated variable airflow HVAC units with high efficiency fan motors and VED operated units Download Project Profile
- Minot Air Force Base
Retro-Commissioning Services About the Facility Minot Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force Installation in Ward County, North Dakota. As part of a collaborative effort with Johnson Controls Federal systems, Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was selected to provide Retro- Commissioning (RCx) to several facilities managed by the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron. The focus of the RCx services included Utility Monitoring and Control Systems (UMCS), Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems including chiller/boiler systems instalaltion and integration, as well as Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. AT A GLANCE Minot Air Force Base Stats 130k Square Feet (91st Missile Wing) 15 Facilities Assessed (91st Missile Wing) 630k Square Feet (5th Bomber Wing) 9 Facilities Assessed (5th Bomber Wing) Scope of Work SEA served as the Commissioning Authority for this effort and was responsible for leading, planning, scheduling and coordinating the Retro-Commissioning process. SEA coordinated all on-site activities with the Base Energy Manager and the HVAC Superintendent. The team also directed the activities of the field technicians as information was gathered and evaluated, and systems were tested for functionality. SEA made recommendations to the owner regarding Facility Improvement Measures (FIM). Johnson Controls Federal System served as Project Manager and provided on-site coordination regarding execution of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) ensuring compliance with Minot AFB procedures. The primary goal of the RCx at the specified buildings was to identify operational and maintenance enhancements that resulted in: Ensuring systems worked efficiently as designed Improving energy efficiency Improving occupant comfort Improving indoor air quality The two squadrons that SEA focused RCx work on included the 91st Missel Wing and the 5th Bomber Wing. 91st Missile Wing SEA was responsible for providing RCx on existing equipment including the DDC and HVAC systems, as well as the building envelope for fifteen MAF sites totaling 130,000 square feet. This included the development and execution of functional test procedures and TAB. Final deliverables included a report detailing the results of all testing and noted issues with the site, identifying and recommending priorities for repairs of non-functioning equipment. 5th Bomber Wing SEA was responsible for the RCx plan focusing on the operation of current DDC and HVAC systems at 9 buildings totaling 630,000 square feet. The buildings also included air and hydronic TAB. Final deliverables included a report with Draft Contractor Field Test and Performance Verification Test procedures for government approval. The plan established the framework for testing HVAC equipment after completion of the initial site survey. Download Project Profile
- Mississippi Army Reserve Center
Investment Grade Audit and Commissioning Services SEA performed a HVAC Assessment and Retro-Commissioning Services to Optimize System Reliability and Comfort. AT A GLANCE Army Reserve Center Facts 76k kWh Reduced Energy Consumption $5.9k Annual Reduced Energy Costs 13k Square Feet 44% Gas Savings About the Facility The U.S. Army Reserve Center located in Greenville, MS is a single-story building with approximately 13,000 square feet. The building is a multi-use facility housing administrative space, classrooms, an assembly hall, library, vault and storage. It also includes restrooms, shower facilities and locker rooms. The existing HVAC control system was not operational. Piping insulation was suspected of containing asbestos fiber and required an environmental assessment. The age of the equipment and configuration of the CHW/HW piping were hindering performance issues requiring the audit to be performed. Additionally, there was no existing building data or documentation to benchmark, monitor or measure current conditions. Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to perform an HVAC equipment assessment and develop design parameters for upgrading the HVAC system and controls using a four phased approach. Phase 1: Preliminary feasibility audit evaluated site conditions identifying equipment deficiencies, repairs and replacements; developed HVAC system configurations and upgrade options, initial controls recommendations and strategies; provided ECM table showing conservation measures and potential savings Phase 2: Documented and refined the Owner’s Project Requirements, verified initial design assumptions, refined some design details; prepared the final design for the upgraded HVAC system and controls Phase 3: Prepared construction documents and resolved ACM issues; monitored construction closely Phase 4: Commissioned the new system, validating installation and performance; remotely monitoring the buildings to assure correct operation As a result of these actions, the facility has a new, state-of-the-art HVAC and control system, providing excellent space temperature and humidity control to all areas with conditioned outdoor air for required ventilation. Preliminary results from a seven month benchmark indicated electrical energy savings of 15% and gas savings of 44% with a total cost savings of $2,873. Download Project Profile