2014

December 2014

Four trends to watch in 2015

Engineers should keep tabs on these four trends as they start planning for 2015. Things to watch: water, workforce development, smart technologies, and the health care industry. » more

Designing higher education facilities: Automation and controls

The world is getting more high-tech, and the colleges and universities preparing students to work in an increasingly advanced environment must keep pace. Building automation systems and controls help these buildings run… » more

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November 2014

Young architects challenge engineers

The newest generation of architects wants to be part of the larger plan. » more

Are you recruiting the best candidates?

Ask these seven questions to determine if you’re hiring wisely. » more

Flexible, sustainable electrical systems

Current building codes and standards allow designers to build flexibility into the electrical system.  » more

Health care is on the brink of change

Laws are pushing unprecedented changes in the hospital and health care market. Engineers need to stay on top of the building needs for flexible, efficient space. » more

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October 2014

Specifying passive firestop systems

Fire-rated wall assemblies and passive firestop systems are key elements to the design of all commercial buildings. » more

Engineering workable, successful office space: Automation and controls

Whether new or retrofit, office buildings can be a challenge for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or fire protection engineer. Building automation systems and controls must be carefully planned. » more

Engineering workable, successful office space: Codes and standards

Whether new or retrofit, office buildings can be a challenge for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or fire protection engineer. A team of experienced professionals offers advice on building codes and standards. » more

Engineering workable, successful office space: Electric, power systems

Whether new or retrofit, office buildings can be a challenge for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or fire protection engineer. Electrical and power systems are key to these facilities, which includes lighting.  » more

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September 2014

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several different projects at once. A

Best practices for mixed-use buildings

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several… » more

Best practices for mixed-use buildings: Automation and controls

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several… » more

Best practices for mixed-use buildings: Codes and standards

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several… » more

Best practices for mixed-use buildings: Electrical, power systems

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several… » more

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August 2014

Project profile: Headquarters electrical improvement

System upgrades for a 16-story office building will help reduce electrical costs. » more

Designed with UPS eBoost power efficiency technology, this project was set up with a central plant to provide utility and emergency power to the entire campus and be expanded for additional capacity over time. Courtesy: GE Crtitcal Power

Project profile: Medical center infrastructure upgrade

Designed with UPS eBoost power efficiency technology, this project was set up with a central plant to provide utility and emergency power to the entire campus and be expanded for additional capacity over time.  » more

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Lighting, Lighting Controls Study

According to the data in this report, LEDs are a big concern for engineers. LEDs are being specified by 9 out of 10 engineers, and having to switch to or integrate LEDs has been affecting their work for the past 12 to 18 months. » more

Building commissioning challenges, solutions: Sustainability, energy efficiency

Commissioning, recommissioning, or retro-commissioning, can be a challenge—and the more complex a facility is, the more boxes an engineer has to check to get the job done right. Renewable energy systems, photovoltaics, and other… » more

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July 2014

Project profile: Retail chain data center

Unified communications system for growing retail chain stores across three states.  » more

Project profile: Data center campus

Sabey Data Center has three independent power trains to protect IT system and mechanical load during a power breakdown.  » more

Project profile: Installing a large clean agent system in a complex environment

A government data center opted for a clean agent suppression system to protect its mission critical facility.  » more

High-rise buildings aren’t just big—for engineers, they present big challenges. Multi-story structures can contain a broad range of uses, different-sized units, and a host of complex systems to tackle.

The challenge: Tall and super-tall buildings

High-rise buildings aren’t just big—for engineers, they present big challenges. Multi-story structures can contain a broad range of uses, different-sized units, and a host of complex systems to tackle.  » more

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June 2014

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns.  » more

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Codes and standards

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. Engineers must adhere to local, national,… » more

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Automation and controls

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. Building automation systems and system… » more

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Energy efficiency

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. Energy efficiency and sustainable systems… » more

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May 2014

First floor lobby, Barry Halkin, Halkin/Mason Photography, LLC

Project profile: Medical center expansion

The project used several innovative strategies to save energy and reduce harmful emissions into the community. » more

Project profile: Primary care facility improvements

Tampa General improves its primary care facility with LED lighting and digital controls. » more

New health care facilities use smart technologies

The owner of nine new health care buildings turned to smart building solutions to meet its goals and objectives. » more

Smart building integration

Historically, the facility management challenge has been to do more with less. System integration provides a solution, and offers an opportunity to lower costs and achieve greater efficiencies.  » more

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April 2014

The VRF zoning system helped keep Franklin Energy’s office space comfortable all year, despite issues with solar gain. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division

Project profile: Headquarters energy efficiency improvement

Franklin Energy saves 32% on electric, 48% on gas with VRF zoning systems. » more

Designing a winning sports venue

Sports and entertainment arenas are more than just seats and a playing field; they are highly complex structures bringing in thousands of fans—and millions of dollars—every year. Engineers with experience in the field share… » more

Designing a winning sports venue: Codes and standards

Sports and entertainment arenas are more than just seats and a playing field; they are highly complex structures bringing in thousands of fans—and millions of dollars—every year. Engineers must keep up with relevant building… » more

Designing a winning sports venue: Sustainability

Sports and entertainment arenas are more than just seats and a playing field; they are highly complex structures bringing in thousands of fans—and millions of dollars—every year. Sustainability and energy efficiency are key… » more

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March 2014

Everyone’s a critic

It’s report card time—please provide your feedback on Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s print and online performance.  » more

Using integrated design to achieve net-zero

Integrated design practices allow a middle school to achieve net-zero energy. » more

Using BAS for M&V

Without knowing the performance metrics of a building, measuring the success of the engineered systems is limited. Engineers should know the process for using BAS for measurement and verification (M&V) as a part of… » more

Case study: Retro-commissioning a data center

These examples illustrate how a typical direct M&V process can be conducted in RCx projects.  » more

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January/February 2014

This article is peer-reviewed.

Bragging rights

Engineers must communicate their success. Fortunately, Consulting-Specifying Engineer offers several outlets to share your technical article or project profile. » more

Graham Allan is a professor in the chemical engineering department and in the college of the environment of the University of Washington in Seattle.

Female engineers should get creative

An enhanced focus on creativity in engineering along with a reduced emphasis on classical tool collection may encourage women students to remain in the profession. » more

Figure 1: In this general building example, the engineer should ask if any of any pumps can benefit from the addition of a VFD. This image shows weatherproof VFDs mounted on a roof. Courtesy: McGuire Engineers

VFD, motor strategies for energy efficiency

A variable frequency drive (VFD) often is specified to save money by reducing energy consumption in pumps, fans, compressors, or any other motor loads that may be found in a typical building. These best practices will provide the… » more

Don’t blow your money on a steam trap

Steam and condensate leaks cost buildings and industrial plants millions of dollars in lost energy, while increasing emissions from boilers due to increased operation, creating potential safety hazards, and lowering the… » more

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