Articles

Figure 1: An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) unit installed at an administration building in Massachusetts. The ERV exchanges heat between the outdoor air and the ventilation from the occupied spaces. It operates in air-side economizer mode when the outdoor air temperature is below 60°F and modulates the outside air damper and return air damper to maintain the mixed air temperature setpoint. Courtesy: CDM Smith

HVAC/R and Mechanical

The role of energy efficiency in decarbonization

Electrical and Power

Your questions answered: Energy, power demands for EV charging

Figure 2: The illustrated schematic provides a generic representation of the typical primary hydronic loop distribution to rack-mounted coolant distribution units (CDUs). It is advisable that the piping material and connection accessories be chosen according to the CDU manufacturer's requirements for each project. Additional engineering efforts may be necessary to determine how to circulate the water and control the temperature and that may require changing the piping arrangements per project. Courtesy: Dynaten

HVAC/R and Mechanical

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most read articles: May 2025

2025 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Product of the Year winners announced

Figure 2: A typical fire riser room in the Vantage Data Center building. Courtesy: Southland Industries

Fire and Life Safety

Fire protection systems to ensure safety for data centers

Figure 2: A typical fire riser room in the Vantage Data Center building. Courtesy: Southland Industries

Codes and Standards

Data center codes and standards focus on efficiency and flexibility

Figure 1: Modern data centers need to house increased automation, computing and power needs as the industry shifts. Courtesy: Southland Industries

How to design data centers for current and future uses

Figure 1: An example of a coordinated floor plan showcasing the lighting fixtures, line and low-voltage lighting controls alongside a sequence of operations table breaking down how these spaces are controlled. Courtesy: WSP USA Buildings Inc.

Lighting and Lighting Controls

An in-depth look at the basics of lighting controls

Figure 5: Piping manifold secondary distribution piping to geothermal bore field. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Case study: How one city is using energy-efficient geothermal systems

Figure 4: Equipment located in a heat transfer vault in a larger distribution system. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Boilers, Chillers

Why and how to use chiller systems to maintain building temperatures