Imagine your company just bought a five-year-old office building in the heart of the city. Starting the new year off right, you move your staff in on January 1st, only to start receiving complaints of cold drafts and inconsistent temperatures in different spaces, despite running the heating system. Some rooms remain chilly, while others are hot, leading to discomfort, decreased productivity, and increased energy usage compared to the space you vacated. Energy consumption far exceeds expectations, and despite efforts to optimize energy usage, the bills remain astronomical. Furthermore, a few areas in the building, particularly those close to the windows and exterior walls, show signs of moisture intrusion with visible water stains, peeling paint, and a musty odor. Some employees even report allergic reactions and respiratory issues. How could owning a building cost more than renting one? In this scenario, the building envelope issues are evident through the occupants’ discomfort, high energy bills, moisture intrusion, and mold growth, all of which may have been avoided if those who constructed the building had utilized building envelope commissioning early in their process. Building Envelope The phrase building envelope, in simple terms, refers to the part of the edifice that “keeps what’s inside in and what’s outside out,” while commissioning (Cx) is the systematic process of ensuring that a building, facility, or system performs according to the owner’s requirements and expectations. Building envelope commissioning (BECx) ensures the performance and functionality of a building envelope. In other words, BECx helps verify that the design and construction teams did what the Owners hired them to do as it relates to keeping what’s inside in and what’s outside out.     BECx While BECx focuses primarily on optimizing energy efficiency and indoor comfort, it can also play a role in guarding against water intrusion. A well-executed BECx process can identify and address potential issues related to the integrity and stability of the building envelope. This may include inadequate structural support, improper installation, material defects, or design flaws. By conducting thorough inspections, tests, and performance evaluations, commissioning agents can help identify and rectify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the building envelope system.  Five Reasons You Should Plan for BECx  Loring has been involved in several BECx projects and has identified five reasons, though often optional, is worth including in major projects. 01. It Enhances Energy Efficiency: Commissioning the building envelope optimizes energy performance by minimizing air leakage, thermal bridging, and inadequate insulation, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs. It ensures proper installation and functioning of HVAC systems, optimizing energy performance while reducing heating and cooling loads. BECx also verifies the effectiveness of the building envelope in controlling moisture infiltration, preventing moisture-related issues that can impact energy efficiency. A good BECx process can identify and rectify deficiencies in the envelope, such as gaps, cracks, or inadequate sealing, which can lead to energy waste. At Loring, our experience in BECx has shown that these are only some of the ways in which the process can enhance energy efficiency. 02. BECx Reduces Environmental Impact: Commissioning promotes sustainability by optimizing energy performance, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing resource consumption. In this way, it contributes to achieving green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices. In fact, Loring’s clients are thrilled to learn that having their building envelope commissioned increases their LEED certification point tally by two points! BECx also supports sustainable design strategies, such as passive solar design and natural ventilation, by ensuring the building envelope functions effectively, as well as validates the performance of sustainable building materials and technologies incorporated into the envelope. Another excellent reason for including BECx in your sustainability efforts is that it provides data and documentation on the energy performance of the building envelope, enabling post-occupancy evaluations and the identification of potential energy-saving opportunities. 03. BECx Ensures that Building Code Requirements for Certain Jurisdictions (e.g., Washington, D.C.) are Met: The last thing anyone wants when they submit documents for approval at the municipality is to learn that mandatory standards were missed. Having a building envelope be properly commissioned by Loring or an equally reputable team helps ensure compliance with building codes and standards related to energy efficiency, thermal insulation, air leakage, and moisture management. The importance of adhering to building code requirements cannot be overstated, as doing so ensures occupant safety and minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries, among other things. 04. It Improves Insurability: Building envelope commissioning can potentially have an impact on insurability. Insurers assess several factors when determining the insurability of a building, including its structural integrity, risk of damage or failure, and potential for claims related to water intrusion, mold, or other issues. One way that BECx can positively influence these factors and, in turn, impact insurability is through risk reduction by helping to identify and rectify potential weaknesses or deficiencies. Insurers generally prefer buildings with lower risk profiles, and a well-commissioned building envelope can contribute to a lower risk profile. The process can also help prevent claims: when a building envelope is properly commissioned, this can minimize the likelihood of claims related to water damage, mold, or other issues. By proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities, commissioning conducted by a team like Loring helps mitigate risks and reduce the frequency and severity of insurance claims, which can be attractive to insurers and may result in more favorable premiums or coverage terms. As mentioned earlier, BECx also facilitates compliance with building codes, which in turn results in these buildings generally being considered less risky from an insurability standpoint. Implementing commissioning demonstrates a commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards.  05. BECx Helps Protect Investments: Loring understands the kind of capital outlay that goes into most of the projects we work on. BECX helps you to avoid costly mistakes by identifying potential or actual issues you may not have considered during your years of fundraising, planning, and preparing. By identifying and rectifying issues early on, the process safeguards the investment made in the construction or renovation project, minimizing costly repairs and ensuring long-term value. While executing a recent project, Loring was part of a team that created a physical mock-up – a section of a wall constructed to the specifications of the larger project. The mock-up was then subjected to various conditions to which the finished building might be exposed to see how it would fare. The exercise informed changes that needed to be made during the design phase to mitigate against the kinds of issues that came up during the simulation. Although the construction of the mock-up increased the initial capital outlay, the building’s owners were able to take measures to avoid costly problems over the long term.  Water Penetration Testing, Field Quality Control Testing of Mockup Pressure Test, Field Quality Control Testing of Mockup In conclusion, planning for building envelope commissioning (BECx) offers numerous benefits that go beyond the initial construction phase. By embracing BECx, you can harness its power to enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, meet building code requirements, improve insurability, and protect investments. Proactively engaging in BECx ensures that your building operates at its highest potential, resulting in long-term cost savings, improved occupant comfort, and a sustainable future. By prioritizing BECx in your construction projects, you are not only making a wise business decision, but also demonstrating your commitment to energy conservation, environmental responsibility, and the overall well-being of your building occupants. In fact, we at Loring want you to consider BECx a mandatory component of your major projects. Contact our team today to discuss even more ways in which BECx can improve the value and longevity of your current or upcoming building work! Authors Todd Steffens is a Vice President, Benjamin Mank is an Associate and Brian Walker is a Senior Associate in the Washington office. 

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a highly advanced technique used to simulate fluid flows, and its importance is hard to overstate in modern industry. By using CFD, engineers can accurately predict fluid dynamics, such as pressure, temperature, velocity, and turbulence in complex systems or processes that would be impossible to study through traditional experimentation.  CFD simulation services are an indispensable tool across a wide range of industries. These services provide a detailed understanding of fluid flows and thermal characteristics of products, processes, and systems, which can significantly benefit a company's bottom line. Loring has in-house expertise on the subject and has completed dozens of models for an array of project types.  Optimize HVAC System Design  CFD can be used to design and optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. By simulating the airflow in buildings, Loring can determine the most effective placement of ducts, diffusers, and air handlers to ensure proper air distribution and minimize energy consumption. Specific use cases include airflow temperature and humidity prediction as a requirement for high-value artifacts or artwork in museums.  In a unique gallery space featuring a large double-height room, Loring’s contractual obligation to provide conditioned air to a specific area where valuable artwork was located presented a challenging situation. The tolerances for temperature and humidity requirements were extremely tight, leaving little room for error. To ensure the HVAC system could meet these strict specifications, Loring created a CFD model to evaluate and identify what changes were necessary. By simulating the behavior of air within the space, the CFD model provided valuable insight that enabled the HVAC system to be optimized and meet the contractual requirements, ultimately safeguarding the valuable artwork while maintaining the comfort and safety of the staff and visitors. At Loring, we use the best technological tools to meet our clients’ diverse needs.  Simulation Findings of a Museum Space Natural Ventilation Design Schemes  Supporting Loring’s net-zero energy focus, CFD is used to design and optimize natural ventilation systems. By simulating the airflow through buildings, Loring can determine the most effective placement of openings, such as windows and vents, to ensure adequate ventilation and indoor air quality.   For a recent project, a college dormitory utilized a mechanical ventilation scheme that supplied ventilation to the corridors and utilized exhausts within each dorm room to distribute the outside air. Through a CFD simulation, Loring was able to identify deficiencies with the existing HVAC configuration. We identified a solution that incorporated natural ventilation that would have minimal impact on the operation of the building and the existing infrastructure. Our team members are committed to delivering the best solutions to complex challenges.  3D Models and CFD Images of a College Dormitory     Energy Efficiency Design Approach  CFD can be used to design and optimize building systems for energy efficiency. By simulating the airflow and heat transfer in buildings, engineers can evaluate the effectiveness of different energy-saving strategies, such as passive solar design, shading devices, and natural ventilation. CFD can also be used to optimize the sizing and placement of building insulation and evaluate the effectiveness of different types of glazing and window systems.  "CFD modeling has revolutionized the way we approach complex design challenges, enabling us to leverage our fluid mechanics and building systems expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our clients. By simulating the behavior of airflow in real-world scenarios, we are able to identify potential issues and optimize designs to achieve optimal performance and efficiency, ultimately driving better outcomes for our clients." Steven J. Kenah, PE, CEM, CFPS, LEED AP President  Gas Dispersion Modeling  The unnoticed dispersion of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide can have life-threatening implications. CFD can be used to model the dispersion of gases in different environments, such as indoor and outdoor spaces. By simulating the movement of gases under different conditions, Loring can determine the most effective placement of gas detectors and design a system that provides maximum coverage. CFD can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ventilation systems and identify potential areas of gas accumulation.  HVAC System  Introducing our latest project: a state-of-the-art HVAC system designed for hydrogen fuel cell production – the first of its kind in Canada. Our team of expert engineers faced a complex challenge due to the large volume of air required to purge the room housing the equipment in the event of a gas leak. To ensure the safety of the occupants, Loring used a CFD model to identify areas where hydrogen gas would accumulate and recommended the placement of gas detection sensors. We also ran multiple simulations to optimize the location of supply and exhaust duct openings, as well as gas detection sensor locations. The result is a reliable HVAC system that meets the strict safety standards required for hydrogen facilities as per the Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code (CSA/BNQ 1784). We are here to provide even our most groundbreaking clients with the best solutions for their safety needs.   Conclusion  CFD can be a powerful tool for designing and optimizing fluid mechanics in a variety of use case applications. By simulating the airflow movements in buildings, Loring can identify potential problems, optimize system performance, and design more efficient and effective building systems. As always, we aim to leverage the right technologies to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients. Authors Nigel Bastiampillai is a Principal and Avash Joshi is an Associate Vice President in Loring’s Toronto office. Steven Kenah is a Principal in the New York office. 

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so too must the facilities that provide care. With new technology and innovative approaches to patient care, healthcare providers are looking for ways to adapt their existing spaces to better meet the needs of their patients. One way that healthcare providers are doing this is by transforming unconventional buildings into healthcare spaces. In this blog post, we'll explore how MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineering consulting firms can support adaptive reuse of spaces for healthcare providers and how to make the most of these spaces. We will also provide examples of challenges and opportunities that these buildings present based on our clients' experiences.  The Challenges of Converting Unconventional Buildings into Healthcare Spaces  Converting an unconventional building into a healthcare space comes with its own set of challenges. Depending on the building's original purpose, there may be unique constraints that need to be addressed. For example, a former warehouse may not have the necessary infrastructure to support a healthcare facility's electrical and mechanical systems. Similarly, an office building may not have the appropriate ventilation and air quality control systems required for patient care.  Another challenge is ensuring that the space is compliant with regulatory standards. Healthcare facilities are subject to a variety of regulations and guidelines, from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. MEP engineering consulting firms can help ensure that the space is compliant with all relevant regulations and guidelines, minimizing the risk of penalties or fines.  The Importance of MEP Engineering Consulting in Healthcare Facility Design  MEP engineering consulting firms play a critical role in the design of healthcare facilities. These firms have expertise in designing and optimizing the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems that are essential to a healthcare facility's operations. They can help healthcare providers identify the most effective and efficient ways to design and implement these systems, ensuring that the facility is equipped to provide the highest quality of care.  For example, MEP engineering consulting firms can help healthcare providers optimize their HVAC systems to ensure that the air quality and temperature control are adequate for patient care. They can also help design and install specialized electrical systems that support medical equipment and provide backup power in case of an outage. Finally, they can help design plumbing systems that meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities, such as the ability to handle large volumes of wastewater or medical waste.  Case in Point: Clearpoint Health Network Surgical Centre Clearpoint Health Network Surgical Centre, Toronto, ON Clearpoint Health Network is a surgical center in Toronto that provides a variety of surgical and diagnostic services. The center is located in a former office building that had been vacant for several years. The challenge for Clearpoint Health Network was to transform this space into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that could provide the highest level of care to patients.  Loring Consulting Engineers was brought on to help design and implement the necessary infrastructure to support the facility's operation. This included optimizing the HVAC system to ensure adequate air quality and temperature control, designing specialized electrical systems to support medical equipment, and designing plumbing systems that could handle the large volumes of wastewater and medical waste generated by the facility.  One of the most significant challenges faced by Loring was designing an adequate ventilation system for the facility's operating rooms. Operating rooms require a high degree of air exchange to maintain sterile conditions and prevent the spread of infectious disease. Loring designed a custom ventilation system that ensured the required air exchange while also minimizing the amount of energy needed to operate the system.  The result of this collaboration among Clearpoint Health Network, Loring, and architect C&Partners is a state-of-the-art surgical center that meets all relevant regulatory standards and provides the highest level of care to patients. By leveraging Loring’s expertise, Clearpoint Health Network was able to transform an unconventional building into a healthcare space that met the unique needs of its patients and staff.  Case in Point: Mount Sinai  The Mount Sinai Doctors-Forest Hills Clinic, Queens, NY Loring was involved in the conversion of a bank and retail building into a multidisciplinary clinic in Queens, New York, for the Mount Sinai hospital system.   The building’s accessibility by subway and train made it well-suited for people in the community, including the large immigrant population in the area. Overall, the project represented a significant expansion of Mount Sinai's presence in Queens and helped to meet the needs of patients in the surrounding community.  The building had three different tenants, including a gym, a bank, and a retail unit, with a total of 25,000 square feet of space. The new outpatient clinic includes a number of exam rooms, nuclear cameras, x-ray rooms, and blood draw labs, among other facilities.  One of the biggest challenges that Loring faced during the conversion process was the need to heat and cool a large volume of space, given the building's floor-to-ceiling glass and high ceilings. Strategically though, these made for some really beautiful waiting rooms, which supported the patient experience at the clinic.   Additionally, the building's large beams made it difficult to install ductwork and other MEP utilities, and the electrical system had to be upgraded to accommodate the high voltage required for the x-ray equipment.  The exhaust system and carbon filtration for the hot lab also presented a challenge. Through investigation and studying the building, Loring was able to determine a path to safely channel exhaust out of the lab to the roof and at least 25 feet away from the outside air intakes to the air handling units, etc.  Despite the MEP challenges, this unique space allowed the team (Mount Sinai doctors, architects Mascioni and Behrmann, and Loring Consulting Engineers) to create a state-of-the-art clinic equipped with the latest technology and characterized by a visually appealing waiting area in a highly strategic location that would not have been possible otherwise. In summary, converting a building into a healthcare center presents a range of MEP challenges and opportunities that are unique to each space. To successfully navigate this process, Loring recommends that clients conduct a feasibility study before signing a lease to fully understand the challenges, costs, and opportunities associated with the conversion. By doing so, clients can make informed decisions and ensure that their team is adequately prepared to address any issues that may arise during the conversion process.  Authors Nigel Bastiampillai is a Principal in Loring’s Toronto office, Rahul Tikekar is a Principal in Loring’s New York office.  

The journey towards achieving a net-zero emissions building can seem daunting and fraught with obstacles. Existing building constraints, as well as resource and time limitations, can impede progress towards optimistic goals of becoming a net-zero organization by 2050, a commitment many entities have made. Consequently, it may be tempting to postpone efforts for another decade. However, with regulatory mandates being implemented in the United States, it is probable that the Canadian government will face mounting pressure to follow suit. Therefore, it is imperative to be well-informed and take incremental steps towards achieving net-zero emissions now, to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience. In addition to contributing to a sustainable future, adopting such measures can yield significant cost savings and enhance your organization's reputation. This article simplifies years of experience in supporting organizations to achieving net-zero emissions through building electrification in five steps. Electrification is a critical component of moving towards a net-zero building. A net-zero building is one that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. To achieve this, it is necessary to reduce the building's energy demand and ensure that the energy used comes from renewable sources. Electrification helps to achieve both of these goals. By replacing fossil fuel-powered heating and cooling systems with electric ones, building owners can reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By leveraging insights from multiple case studies of our clients, we have identified five steps you can take now to prepare for future changes and achieve net-zero emissions.  1. Conduct a Comprehensive Energy Audit To begin the process of building electrification, it’s important to have a good understanding of the current energy consumption of the building. Conducting a comprehensive energy audit will help identify areas of inefficiency and opportunities for improvement. This can help guide decisions about which electrification strategies will be most effective for the building.  At Loring, we have extensive experience conducting energy audits, having completed over 600 ASHRAE Level II and Level III audit projects in the last 10 years. Through this work, we have identified numerous opportunities and strategies for our clients to reduce energy consumption and achieve their sustainability goals.   Our comprehensive approach to energy audits, informed by lessons learned from previous projects, enables us to provide our clients with the best-in-class learning and experience in the industry. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering high-quality results that exceed our clients' expectations.  2. Install High-Efficiency HVAC Systems  Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major source of energy consumption in the buildings. Replacing old, inefficient HVAC systems with new, high-efficiency alternatives can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. This can include heat pumps, which use electricity to extract heat from the air or ground, or geothermal systems, which use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool buildings. This was the case in our recent major capital project at the Michigan State Capitol.   Loring is currently developing a design package for a new transit agency headquarters building in Ontario, Canada. The building MEP systems will be an all-electric solution focusing on sustainability as the project is slated to achieve LEED Silver and Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas status. More to come on this exciting project.  3. Switch to Electric Appliances  Replacing gas-powered appliances with electric alternatives can significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint. This can include electric stoves, water heaters, and dryers. The use of electric vehicles for transportation can also help reduce emissions associated with commuting and transportation.   However, a switch to electric is not always straightforward and has to be planned for.   Loring Consulting Engineers worked with a major Canadian bank on their sustainability program at a national level. The scope of work involved evaluating which bank branches could utilize electric appliances for heating and cooling, taking into consideration power capacity at each site. This provided the bank vital information to plan for conversions in the next few years, as units reached  end-of-life status.   4. Install Rooftop Solar Panels:   Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a building to generate clean, renewable electricity. This can help reduce a building's dependence on grid electricity and provide cost savings over time. In some cases, excess energy generated by the solar panels can be sold back to the grid, providing additional revenue.  Loring has been working with several K-12 schools to comply with local energy laws by designing solar photovoltaic systems that elevate the design requirements above minimum building code requirements. Though these additional requirements could be achieved by either a green roof or a blue roof, these options presented challenges that outweighed the benefits. A green roof can be prone to additional maintenance, while a blue roof presents substantial design and construction costs. These factors, coupled with the benefit of the solar photovoltaic system, reduced the amount of power required from the electrical utility grid, and ultimately guided the roof design options towards the ideal solution. At another site, the solar photovoltaic system was coupled with battery storage and export capability to the utility grid. More to come on this existing project! 5. Using Building Automation Systems to Reduce Energy Consumption A building automation system (BAS) can play a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions by reducing energy consumption in buildings. A BAS can control and optimize various mechanical systems in the building, such as HVAC and lighting, to operate more efficiently and use less energy. By implementing measures such as converting airside and waterside systems to variable volume, adding night setback and optimized start sequences, and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, a BAS can significantly reduce a building's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This, in turn, helps move buildings towards net-zero emissions and supports the electrification of building systems to rely more on renewable energy sources.  Loring recently completed a full renovation of the BAS at the 120,000- square foot Toronto City Hall complex. This involved the replacement of the entire BAS across the facility, including the two towers, podium, and Nathan Phillips Square. As part of the upgrade, various mechanical systems were reviewed, and multiple energy conservation measures were implemented to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the facility.   These measures included converting airside and waterside systems to variable volume, as well as adding night setback and optimized start sequences.  By making these changes, Loring calculated potential savings of 730,000 kWh/year of electricity, 840,000 lbs/year of steam, 95 tons/year of GHG emissions, and $141,000/year of utility cost savings. Following the completion of the BAS upgrade, the electricity and steam consumption were evaluated, and the utility bills showed a 20% reduction in electricity consumption.  Conclusion  As more and more Canadian organizations commit to reducing their carbon footprints and achieving net-zero emissions status by 2050, they are becoming increasingly aware of obstacles impeding sustainability – obstacles that must be overcome if their goals are to be met. With its long history of incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into its work, Loring stands ready to partner with these organizations to create options that are both forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.  Authors Nigel Bastiampillai is a Principal in Loring’s Toronto office. Kalpak Karule is a Principal in the New York office.  

Continuing in the Loring tradition of recognizing and rewarding talent, Loring Consulting Engineers, Inc. is pleased to announce our 2023 promotions, including three new Principal-level promotions and group-level leadership changes. Oleksa P. Breslawec, PE, Miguel Gaspar, PE, LEED AP, and Kalpak Karule, PE, CEM, CBCP, LEED AP have been promoted to Principal and Senior Vice President roles. Oleksa P. Breslawec, PE has over 35 years of experience in engineering design, building system controls, new technology integration, and building commissioning. Oleksa joined Loring’s Washington, DC office in 2016 and has overseen the design of millions of square feet of space for both the renovation and new construction of higher education facilities, institutional, and commercial buildings. Miguel Gaspar, PE, LEED AP leads Loring’s Building Services Group, which specializes in K-12, residential, and mixed-use buildings. Miguel joined Loring almost 10 years ago and has overseen numerous Design-Build projects, working closely with owners and development teams on successful projects ranging from ground-up construction, renovations, and additions to infrastructure improvements. Kalpak Karule, PE, CEM, CBCP, LEED AP leads Loring’s Energy Services Group and has over 13 years of experience in engineering design, energy engineering, renewable energy, commissioning, and sustainability. He has extensive experience advising government agencies as well as institutional and private clients, and developing strategies regarding energy utilization, incorporation of alternative energy technologies, and carbon footprint reduction in both new and existing buildings. Hallah Abodaff, PE, LEED AP, has assumed the role of Managing Principal of our Washington, DC office. Ivan Zgombic, Vice President in our New York City office, has been promoted to Facilities Design Group Leader. Edgar Eweka in our New York City office was promoted to Associate Vice President. Eric Wells, also in our New York City office, was promoted to Senior Associate. Additionally, the following staff were promoted to Associate:

• Eric Aanonsen, PE, New York City
• Danielia Fox, EIT, Washington, DC
• Jerome Frederick, New York City
• Scott Girouard, Washington, DC
• Chris Kang, PE, New York City
• Ro Pamidi, Washington, DC
• Sean Parslow, New York City
• Dennis Ramos, New York City
• Daniel Shank, EIT, New York City
• Krishna Singhdangol, Parsippany
• Lucas Smilios, New York City
• Joshua Wiggs, EIT, Durham

“Each of these individuals has made unique contributions to the firm and continues to elevate Loring’s success through their ongoing hard work and dedication,” stated Chief Executive Officer Michael DesRochers. “We thank them for their dedication and commitment to the growth and success of Loring and our clients.”

Loring is excited to announce that our Union Theological Seminary project has received a 2022-2023 Platinum ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Award (EEA) in the Building/Technology Systems category. The Union Theological Seminary is the oldest independent seminary in the United States. Its New York City campus consists of 12 buildings built circa 1910 in the Collegiate Gothic style. A campus-wide Renewal Plan/Master Plan was developed to provide a mission-driven renovation to reinvigorate this treasured institution for current and future generations of students and faculty. At the core of this program was the delivery of state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, and sustainable mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and information technology systems to provide thermal comfort and modern amenities while preserving the historic architecture of the campus. The first phase included the renovation and revitalization of the main residential building, Hastings Hall, an 85,000-square foot, 7-story, 130-bed facility. The new central utility plant incorporates high-efficiency (95%+) condensing boilers and ultra-high-efficiency water-cooled magnetic bearing chillers, coupled with new control systems that optimize energy performance and provide 30% energy savings while reducing the carbon footprint. The project was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and was completed on time and on budget, despite construction occurring amidst the pandemic. ACEC New York will honor the EEA Award recipients at the ACEC New York EEA Awards Gala on March 24, 2023. Thank you to Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, and Beyer Blinder Belle for inviting us to be a part of their project team, and congratulations to all the award recipients!  “The completion of Phase One accomplished the overall mission of the project – to provide UTS with a state-of-the-art facility that met sustainability goals, exceeded energy performance goals, and provides students and faculty with a modern, comfortable building that respects the treasured historic architecture,” says Steven J. Kenah, PE, President and Principal-in-Charge of the project. For more information on the ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards and this year's winners, visit ACEC New York. Click here for additional information on the Union Theological Seminary project on our website.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington (ACEC/MW) Chapter has selected the Michigan State Capitol Infrastructure Upgrades and Below-Grade Heritage Hall project as an Honor Award Winner in the 2022-2023 ACEC/MW Engineering Excellence Awards Competition. ACEC/MW will honor the EEA Award recipients at the EEA Awards Gala on December 8, 2022, where three of the 16 Honor Award recipients will receive Grand Awards. This project will also advance into the National ACEC competition. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.loringengineers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MichiganStateCapitol.SmallerSize.mp4"][/video] The Michigan State Capitol is a magnificent National Historic Landmark designed by Elijah E. Myers and dedicated on January 1, 1879. Loring was entrusted by the owner, Michigan State Capitol Commission, and design-builder, The Christman Company, to design MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems that would modernize the Capitol's infrastructure and provide state-of-the-art systems to the new 40,000-square foot underground visitor center, Heritage Hall. Careful planning and phased implementation of modern systems were essential to maintain full occupancy within the building during construction. Loring also worked with architects EYP Architecture & Engineering P.C. in preserving the historic Capitol, and with Quinn Evans Architects in designing the new Heritage Hall addition. A focal element of this project was creating a new 10,000-square foot below-grade central utility plant that provides year-round heating and cooling to the Capitol building and Heritage Hall through carbon-free geothermal energy. Resilient and energy-efficient MEP system solutions provide significant life-cycle savings and will allow the historic Michigan State Capitol to flourish for years to come. The Michigan State Capitol project has proven to be a success and has generated great enthusiasm for many visitors to the Capitol, and for the residents of Michigan. Heritage Hall serves as a welcoming venue and provides connectivity to the Capitol building, orientation spaces, rotating exhibits, and a 600-seat auditorium. “As a demonstration to all Michiganders, this project serves as a great example of the State’s emphasis and commitment to the incorporation of energy-efficient, sustainable, and carbon-reducing technologies into their buildings,” says J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CPD, Principal at Loring. For more information on the Michigan State Capitol project, click here or contact Hallah Abodaff, PE, LEED AP and J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CPD.  

Congratulations to Oneil Gayle, PE, CEA, CEM, CBCP, LEED AP, Principal and Chief Operating Officer at Loring Consulting Engineers for his induction into the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Chapter Board of Directors. ACEC NY inducted a new slate of officers and directors at the association’s annual meeting on June 1st, 2022. Oneil’s influence continues to extend beyond Loring to the industry and his community at large. We are proud of his dedication to enhancing the future of engineering.

At the Commercial Observer’s National Healthcare Forum held on June 16, 2022, Rahul Tikekar, PE, MS, MBA had the pleasure of participating in a one-on-one conversation with David Kontra, MBA, Senior Director of Real Estate at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The discussion included a variety of topics such as how the healthcare industry has changed since Covid-19, changing community needs, the need for a community healthcare presence, the latest technology in healthcare, decarbonization, current supply and demand challenges, and much more. Thank you to all who joined this fascinating discussion and stopped by at Loring's table!

On April 19th, Loring was the recipient of a Platinum Award for the SUNY Stony Brook Research and Development Park Innovation and Discovery Center project at the 2022 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in the Building/Technology Systems category. As the name implies, the mission of the facility is to foster the spirit of science-driven innovation and discovery to allow entrepreneurs of “mezzanine” business pursuits to expand beyond incubator start-ups, to refine product development, and to attract venture capital investment. “The building is inherently forward-thinking to mirror its tenants and is recognized as a valuable platform to enable further development of critical research, allowing entrepreneurs to overcome upfront capital costs that would pose significant barriers to entry,” says Ivan Zgombic, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, and Project Manager. Thank you to SUNY Stony Brook University and Mitchell Giurgola Architects, LLP for allowing us to be a part of their project team, and congratulations to all the award recipients!