top of page

61 items found for ""

  • PeaceHealth Care System

    Investment Grade Audit and Commissioning Services  SEA helped PeaceHealth identify $2M in annual energy and operational savings for nine medical centers. AT A GLANCE PeaceHealth Stats $2M Annual Estimated Cost Savings 9 Medical Centers 4.9M Square Feet About the Facility Founded in 1890, PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit Catholic Healthcare System offering services for urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon and Alaska. With approximately 16,000 caregivers, 1,200 providers, and ten medical centers, PeaceHealth continues to achieve its mission of promoting personal and community health, relieving pain and suffering, and treating each person in a loving and caring way. One of PeaceHealth’s core values is stewardship which entails responsible allocation and utilization of human, financial and environmental resources. In order to exemplify this, PeaceHealth sought to have an ASHRAE Level II audit performed to ensure that the system was prudent in its utilization of energy from both a financial and environmental perspective. Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to perform ASHRAE Level II audits for nine of the ten medical centers that are part of the PeaceHealth system. Onsite assessments included: meeting with local and regional facility staff; surveying the building envelope, domestic water plumbing, HVAC and Building Automation System (BAS); development of energy conservation measures (ECMs); and implementation of energy management and monitoring. Examples of some of the ECMs identified, include: Retro Commissioning: Identified operational improvements to increase occupant comfort and save energy  BAS Upgrades: Updated BAS capabilities of facilities to make proper use of energy-savings sequences  Chiller Plant Optimization: Improved operation of chiller plants to increase efficiency  Fuel Cells / Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Used fuel cells or CHP to provide increased energy efficiency and necessary essential coverage in emergency situations  Reverse Osmosis (RO) for Clean Steam Generators: Installed RO system to provide improved water quality and efficiency while reducing scale SEA identified 78 ECMs that equated to $2 million in annual energy and operational savings for a total of $39 million in life-cycle savings across 4.9 million square feet of the nine medical centers. Download Project Profile

  • PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

    New Construction Commissioning Services About the Facility PowerSouth Energy Cooperative was formed in 1941 to provide the power supply needs of its distribution members across Alabama and northwest Florida. Today, PowerSouth continues to safely deliver reliable, competitively priced wholesale energy to promote development of the communities its members serve. PowerSouth has been expanding its corporate headquarters in Andalusia, AL, including a new Energy Control Center (ECC). The ECC is a two-story, 47,000 square foot data center housing offices, computer systems and associated equipment involved in the utility distribution to all PowerSouth customers. In addition, PowerSouth wanted to construct a “Bunker” to ensure resiliency of the systems due to a natural disaster or human threat. AT A GLANCE PowerSouth Facts 36k Expense Saved During Testing 47k Square Feet 2017 Year Completed SEA is Commissioning Authority Time was of the essence; therefore, the project was delivered using a design/build delivery method. Because the project team was already engaged in the process when the decision to hire a commissioning authority occured, Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) interfaced seamlessly into the project conducting design review, construction observations and developing a commissioning plan with zero impact to the existing schedule. The nature of the facility required in-depth testing of all complex electrical systems consisting of a Power Distribution Unit, automatic transfer switch, static transfer and UPS system. In addition, load testing of the fire suppression, HVAC systems and generators occurred. SEA was able to resolve the following challenges: Fire Suppression Systems: Proposed alternative testing similation of tanks to avoid $36,000 refill costs and ensure NFPA code requirements were met Load Bank Testing: SEA completed a 1.1 megawatt load test on each generator as well as the UPS system and power distribution units, resolving problems prior to owner occupancy Electrical Swithgear: Coordinated efforts between the DB team and switchgear manufacturer to resolve gear transfer sequence issues Download Project Profile

  • Shreveport Airport

    Owner Representation and Energy Strategy Development The Shreveport Airport Authority strives to be a good neighbor through reducing its impact on the environment and bringing improved benefits to its community by incorporating sustainability planning into the operation of the airport. SEA was proud to be a part of their sustainability efforts as Owner Representative. About the Facility Shreveport Airport is a public use airport in Shreveport, Louisiana. It is owned by the City of Shreveport and located near the central business district. The Shreveport Airport Authority sought an energy consultant for the development of the Airport Authority Sustainability Plan and the modernization of the regional and downtown airport facilities. Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) served as owner representative with a focus on the infrastructure and envelope of the various facilities, including: Energy awareness Energy strategy development Owner representation Existing equipment assessments Vendor selection and oversight Energy modeling Training Results As a result of the partnership, SEA helped: Develop the Shreveport Airport Authority Sustainability plan. The purpose of the plan was to create a sustainability system within the City of Shreveport and Airport Authority’s daily decision making process Provide Level 1 and Level II ASHRAE Energy Audits Engage local Fair Share certified businesses in projects identified Generate a Rehabilitation Design Project with a set of construction documents for roof system repairs, mechanical upgrades and interior remediation / renovations Download Project Profile

  • TASC Labs Energy Assessment

    SEA helped TASC Labs save more than $19k within a year of making improvements to their HVAC System. AT A GLANCE TASC Labs Facts 40% Reduction of power bill per month 70% Reduction of natural gas bill per month $19k Overall savings on utility costs $60k Projected total savings annually About the Facility TASC is an analytical lab based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a subsidiary of Inventure Renewables, which pioneers process technologies for the ultra-efficient extraction of natural biochemical and material building blocks for low-value waste to create biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. Sain Engineering Associates was contracted to reduce energy consumption by optimizing existing HVAC systems. Scope of Work SEA started the project with an initial study of the existing equipment and conditions. This included analyzing gas and power bills while comparing them to buildings similar in size and scope. Our team quickly recognized that TASC’s energy use was unnaturally high. As we continued to investigate the entire HVAC system, we identified several problem issues, including: unsealed doors on the air handler and blocked diffusers for individual tenant space. The initial work included the following defined scope of work: Upgrading controls Reprogramming HVAC control sequences Testing HVAC equipment Training Personnel Within four months of SEA’s new energy savings measures being implemented, TASC labs reported: Reduced power bill of 40% per month Reduced natural gas bill of 70% per month Overall savings on utility costs of $19,000 Projected total savings annually at $60,000 Download Project Profile

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Boshell Diabetes Research and Education Building

    Retro-Commissioning Services (5th and 6th Floors) About the Facility The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an internationally renowned, public doctoral research university and academic health center located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. The Boshell Diabetes Education and Research Building is an eight-story, 129,600 sq. ft. medical research and administrative facility on campus. The building was constructed in 1973 and has had multiple renovations since its completion date. AT A GLANCE UAB Boshell Building Facts 4M Project Cost 129K Square Feet 2020 Completion Date Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) provided retro-commissioning services for the HVAC system and lighting as part of this major renovation of its 5th and 6th floors. The facility is conditioned by six air handling units and more than 250 terminal units. Chilled water and steam are provided by a district chiller and steam plant. The facility has multiple steam heat exchangers used to produce hot water for hydronic heating and domestic hot water. The majority of the retro-commissioning process has been performed with the facility occupied. Additionally, SEA performed select HVAC tests while the facility was completely removed from the local power grid and running on a local emergency generator. Our services included design review, preparation of a commissioning plan and issues log for the HVAC, electrical, building automation controls and lighting. Included as part of SEA’s work was the testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of the new terminal boxes and interlocked lighting controls. The challenges of isolating segments of the services while maintaining occupancy have been overcome through attention to detail, clear test procedures and timely communication. Download Project Profile

  • West Point Military Academy

    On-Site Energy Management  Implementing SEA actions would result in reduction of Utility Savings by 11% annually with an estimated average of $1.8M. About the Facility The United States Military Academy is a four-year federal service academy in West Point, New York hosting approximately 4,000 cadets and 500 faculty members plus support personnel. The academy is located on the western bank of the Hudson River and has a footprint of 16,000 acres with 7.4 million square feet of buildings. AT A GLANCE West Point Facts 16 Acres 7.4M Square Feet in Buildings 3 Onsite Energy Managers Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) provided three energy consultants onsite to assess low/no cost savings needs, noting items such as: Overheating of water temperatures Air handlers and equipment efficiency needs Building occupancy schedules to automate services Occupancy needs by administrative/classroom space Lighting and control optimization, alternative sources Repairs for items such as pipes, valves, heat exchangers, storage tanks, etc. Maintenance needs for clean coils on air handlers, chillers and condensing units Determining when to replace door weather-stripping Plans for establishing building closing routine These activities resulted in potential capital projects for the replacement/ installation of: Water cooled package units Window air conditioners with ductless mini splits or VRF systems Central steam heating of DHW with individual building condensing boilers Gym and high bay lighting with fluorescents or LEDs with occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting controls Collection tank to use once through dry cleaner condensing water to feed clothes washers for saving water and recovering waste heat Download Project Profile

  • Alabama Forensic Science Building

    Lab and Research – Phased Commissioning Services SEA resolved historic and ongoing building systems operations through a phased commissioning approach within six weeks – resulting in optimal conditions for the forensic lab. About the Facility The Robert Clinton Hatch Hall Forensic Sciences Building is shared by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and Alabama State University (ASU). The 50,000 square foot, eight year-old facility incorporates state-of-the-art forensic science laboratories, computer labs, a mock courtroom, instrumentation laboratory and a criminal logistics laboratory for instruction in techniques used to examine evidential materials. Challenges Facility owners were specifically concerned with the operations related to the forensics lab spaces. Overall, the building was allowing substantial amounts of water infiltration during rain fall and the current HVAC system was unable to provide a positive pressure environment. Additionally, the facility’s temperature and humidity lab requirements were not desirable and coordinated air space was inconsistent. Because of these issues, the forensic labs were experiencing a high concentration of airborne fungi particles. Any one of these issues could greatly impact and compromise forensic testing. It was important to determine and resolve root causes quickly so as to not impact or delay lab testing. Scope of Work To achieve overall building success, all systems needed to operate optimally. Ongoing preventative maintenance of the building envelope and the HVAC system also needed to be consistent. SEA was hired to quickly implement a phased commissioning process and worked to develop contract documents for system repairs and replacement. SEA also ensured that all building systems were operating optimally during the construction phase. The commissioning activities were broken down into four key phases. Phase 1: The team worked to investigate all systems and conduct control assessments. This included Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) the Chiller and ASU – resulting in an Investigative Report. Phase 2 : In this phase, the SEA team defined the necessary solutions for all of the operations and worked to rewrite code controls. This documentation included a master schedule, costs analysis and responsibility matrix. Phase 3: SEA worked to upgrade controls and make all final repairs with additional TAB measures. Phase 4: SEA provided the final commissioning report of all activities conducted in the previous phases and included a roadmap for future operations and maintenance. Download Project Profile

  • Camp Shelby

    Installation Energy and Water Plans SEA Partners with Congruent Technologies Corporation to Perform Installation Energy and Water Plans for the State of Mississippi and the U.S. Army National Guard at Camps Shelby, McCain and Mississippi Minus. At A Glance 134k Acres 47 Buildings Assessed 543k Square Feet About the Facility Encompassing more than 134k acres (525 kilometers), Camp Shelby can support battalion level maneuver training and has a wide range of training and logistical support facilities. It is a training ground for the M1 Abrams Tank, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, M109A6 Paladin Howitzers, and home to the 177th Armored Brigade (Training Support). Camp Shelby serves as a training site for the National Guardsmen and Reservists from throughout the country, hosting as many as 100k personnel annually. Camp Shelby also serves as a primary Mobilization Force Generation Installation (MFGI) base for all services. Scope of Work SEA is currently performing an Installation Energy and Water Plan assessment to survey elected buildings in a manner consistent with ASHRAE Level I audits in order to inform the IEWP. In addition to Camp Shelby, the program will also include Camp McCain and MS Minus. The IEWP process includes energy and water assessments for 47 critical facilities totaling 543,720 square feet., mission decomposition interviews, two stakeholder workshops and intermediate deliverables, including the Baseline Assessment and Vulnerabilities Report, as well as the final IEWP plan. Download Project Profile

  • J.B. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratory

    Retro-Commissioning Services SEA resolves humidity issues for unique structure and provides necessary documentation for future operations and maintenance. About the Facility J.B. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratory (Elba Labs) is owned and operated by the Alabama State Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). The lab provides a wide range of regional diagnostic services for Alabama livestock and poultry producers. Occupied in 2005, the current building was experiencing difficulty controlling humidity 15 years later. The building consists of two areas, a lab and conference area. At A Glance 50% Targeted Site Humidity 15 Years – Age of Infrastructure 10k Square Feet Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was initially engaged to evaluate the existing building’s HVAC and controls, building automation system and envelope to identify the cause of the humidity problem. The desired result was to maintain and enhance predetermined air flow quantity in the appropriate direction between the adjoining lab and office spaces. One of the early challenges faced by the team was the lack of documentation supporting existing systems on-site. Additionally, many of the parts needing repair were no longer available. SEA’s Commissioning Provider (CxP) not only conducted the necessary assessments to determine and resolve the issues, but also worked to provide documentation of the systems for assisting with ongoing operations and maintenance. SEA began its work with an initial review of what few design drawings were available and toured the facility to gather historical information pertinent to the evaluation. Initial review of the HVAC and controls system revealed that the operation of the boiler, Phoenix Air Valves (PAVs) and reheat coils were no longer reliable or effectively controlled. Numerous PAV control components had failed and were being set manually as an interim measure. Additionally, the boiler had been offline for some time causing loss of reheat and resulting in abnormally cold discharge air temperatures and condensation on ductwork, grilles and registers. SEA collaborated with the PAV support representatives to: Perform a comprehensive condition assessment of each air valve and its controls, taking corrective measures where feasible Develop a course of action to restore and correct air valve controls and operation Provide recommendations and budgets for PAV control replacement As a result, the following items have been completed: Replaced PAV controls and reheat valves, strobe exhaust fan controls and damper actuators, air handler discharge and temperature sensors to return airflows to design values Installed a Java Application and Control Engine (JACE) to interface between the PAV controls and the BMS, a control point to cycle power, 12 additional VAV DAT sensors, as well as a sensor to the air handler to indicate preheat leaving air temperature Relocated the outdoor air sensor, adjusted BMS controls and tuned the PAV system; cleaned strainer on heating water pump This initial work has resulted in well controlled humidity of 40-50% within the space, even when outside relative humidity is at 100%. Commissioning repairs also greatly reduced the need of repeated support calls. Additionally, SEA has continued to support the owner with project management activities and the creation of documentation required for preventative maintenance on key elements and systems. Download Project Profile

  • Fort Dix – U.S. Army 99th Regional Support Command

    Resource Efficiency Managers (REMs) SEA provides three Level III Energy Resource Managers (REMs) to the U.S. Army 99th Regional Support Command located at Fort Dix in New Jersey. At A Glance $5.8M Annual Estimated Realized Savings 450 Buildings Assessed 7.5M Square Feet With more than 450 buildings across 7.5M sq. ft., Ft. Dix hosts critical support activities to support the Army Reserve’s unique posture for employing capabilities to the Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) in times of natural and man made disasters. The REM services are intended to increase the effectiveness of Ft. Dix and the 99th Reserve Command (RC) energy programs by identifying conservation measures to reduce energy and water usage as well as direct savings opportunities. In option year 2, the accumulated savings were $5.8M with a realized savings of $1.25M. Proposed project savings not yet implemented are $4.6M. The REM program is measured by achieving cost savings that exceed the annual REM cost, resulting in the contract paying for itself on a yearly basis. For this project, the REM established a utility rate baseline average of current operations prior to implementing the alternative energy sources. As projects were implemented, comparison measurements were taken to arrive at total project savings. The SEA REMs self-perform all work, focusing specifically on utility cost avoidance. The REMs orchestrated complete switching of electric utility supplies for the 99th RC facilities. Additionally, there was a battery optimization project completed for Building MA048 resulting in $197k of direct annual savings. Through speaking engagements, classroom training of facilities managers, and Energy Exchange workshops, the REMs support the promotion education and adoption of all energy and water resource conservation management activity necessary to optimize the use of utility installation and water resources. Download Project Profile

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    SEA Energy Consultant SEA discovered 62 Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) with an average 8-year simple payback and combined annual cost savings of $3.2 million. About the Facility Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda, MD, is a 243-acre Naval Medical Center Complex Base and host to more than 40 tenant commands and activities, including the largest medical complex in the Department of Defense, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The state-of-the-art medical center provides care to the entire military family, with special expertise in the care of critically wounded service members. At A Glance 515k Square Feet 3.2M Annual Cost Savings 61 ECMs Discovered SEA completed an ASHRAE Level II energy assessment for approximately 6 million square feet of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Included in the assessment was the 515k sq. ft. America Building – Outpatient Facility. This structure houses facilities for radiation oncology treatment, the Cancer Centers of Excellence, and the Military Advanced Training Center. Scope of Work SEA’s energy team developed facility assessments of existing conditions while investigating all of the building systems, equipment and envelope. Data Analytics of the Building Automation Systems and meter recording occurred as well as IR scanning and reporting. SEA worked with the client to develop criteria for project bundling of energy conservation measures (ECMs). The maximum Return on Investments (ROI), life-cycle costing and total project costs were included in the calculations. Some of the major recommendations, included: Electrical System and Lighting Improvements Water Conservation / Upgrades Energy Management Controls System Retro Commissioning Exhaust Air Optimization and Energy Recovery (ERX) Solar domestic hot water heating system to supplement existing DHW systems Demand Control / Ventilation Download Project Profile

  • Peterson Air Force Base

    Retro Commissioning Services About the Facility Peterson Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force Base that shares an airfield with the adjacent Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, home to the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to perform retro commissioning services (RCx) for the current Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems with emphasis on the identification of operations or conditions that significantly impacted Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Current Facility Requirements (CFR), and operability of the building and/or energy consumption. Several Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) were identified. The total energy and water savings for the recommended projects account for a yearly savings of $147,000. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), implementation of the identified measures helped reduce 1,357 tons of CO2, the equivalent of removing 286 cars from the road– or — powering 124 houses across the country. ECMs identified included repairs to air handling units, replacing water pumps and associated equipment and controls upgrades. Scope of Work The RCx Team conducted a 3-week initial site visit to observe building mechanical systems and to interview facility managers and CES personnel. The initial site visit combined with evaluating existing documentation (utility records, floor plans, equipment schedules, etc.) were all used to develop the RCx Plan that was submitted. During the next eight months, twenty-four buildings on Peterson AFB were tested exclusively with the RCx protocol. Tests were performed on new equipment and systems that were installed in two other buildings under additional requirements of the PWS. Many of the buildings also included air and/or hydronic Test, Adjust and Balance (TAB) as part of the RCx effort. Of the 26 facilities investigated, 576 issues and/or deficiencies were identified. The top three most prevalent categories were programming issues and maintenance/installation deficiencies. The issues log list was regularly updated and made available online at a secure website. It was presented at the weekly status meetings with the Base Energy Engineering Department and other CES stakeholders. Download Project Profile

Search Results

bottom of page