Annual MEP Supplement
March 2017
CELEBRATING OUR
March 2017
1
20 th YEAR!
Hitchcock Center at Hampshire College Teaches Environmental Literacy Large, clear cylindrical tanks capture the first 1/16-inch of rain / page 8
Annual Supplement :
Building Energy / MEP INDUSTRY EXPERT ARTICLES Also inside:
Mike Padden
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7
Donna A. DeFreitas
Plus: News of people and companies that plan, design, install, and power mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for New England facilities.
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Annual MEP Supplement
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March 2017
William F. Lynch Upgrades HVAC Equipment for Waters Corp.
Completed pumps and piping with pipe stanchions
Milford, MA – In 2015, Waters Corporation teamed up with the William F. Lynch Co., Inc. to upgrade its aging HVAC equipment in buildings 6 (101,000sf), 7 (71,200sf), and 8 (56,700sf). The goal was to create a baseline GMP and compare that with recommended energy conservation methods that would replace existing equipment with new code-compliant equipment. The master plan developed to provide these ECMs and to meet the owner’s operational needs
Insurance
Bonds
resulted in the following complex plan: The penthouse floor was not designed to handle the weight of the new equipment and piping. Therefore, an engineered plan was developed to mount the chillers and pumps on steel beams to spread the load. The roof (10 feet floor to underside of joists, 11 feet 6 inches to decking) of the penthouse was incapable of supporting the piping load. So, pipe stanchions were welded to the floor plates with overhead cross beams used to support the piping.
Employee Benefits
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INSURANCE ANDSURETY SURETY BONDS FOR INSURANCE AND AND BONDS FOR INSURANCE SURETY BONDS FOR
Chillers supported on steel beams, piping and stanchions
Since chillers required mounting within 3 feet of the exterior penthouse wall, access doors were installed in the wall panels for the tubes access. Exterior wall panels were removed to allow for removal of demolished equipment, and rigging of new chillers and AHUs were shipped in pieces, rigged into the penthouse, and assembled. The project was carried out in phases to include 95% of the work to be performed in the winter months while maintaining operation of one VAV AHU in each penthouse; the demolition of evaporative condensers and associated piping; installation of chillers, pumps, heat exchanger, and piping ready for final connection to B6, B7, B8 AHUs, and existing chilled water mains; removal of one AHU in each penthouse; and installation of the new AHUs, re-duct, re-pipe, finish controls, and startup. We allowed two weeks of uninterrupted run time and repeated phases 4 and 6 to make final connections to existing piping systems and decommission
JM Electrical Completes System
Cambridge, MA – JM Electrical Company, Inc. recently announced that it has completed project operations at Harvard Memorial Church, a historic development located at 1 Harvard Bus Surety Bonds Tunnel in the center of Harvard Yard in Proud Partners with Cambridge. Oscar B. Johnson Oscar Vice B. Johnson Proud Partners with Executive President JM completed the HVAC control sysOscar B. Johnson INSURANCE AND SURETY BONDS FOR Executive President tem for the upper and lower levels of the ExecutiveVice Vice President church and utilized wireless technology States Insurance Agency,and Inc.Liability Insurance Building OwnersEastern and Managers Property due to the complexities of the facility. All Eastern States Agency, Property Developers Property Eastern StatesInsurance InsuranceCoastal Agency, Inc.Inc.Insurance of the work was done while maintaining General Contractors Builders Risk Insurance Trade Subcontractors Surety Bonds 50 Prospect Street | Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 | (781) 642-9000 | (781) 647-3670 fax | esia.com the architectural integrity of the building. “We were happy to work on such a ProudPartners Partners with Proud with 50 Prospect Street50| Prospect Waltham,Street Massachusetts | (781) 642-9000 | (781) 647-3670 fax | esia.com Oscar B. Johnson notable Harvard landmark,” said Adam | Waltham,02453 Massachusetts 02453 Executive Vice President Palmer, project manager at JM Electrical. (781) 642-9000 | (781) 647-3670 fax | esia.com “It was important with this job to ensure Eastern States Insurance Agency, Inc. the preservation of the building and
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50 Prospect Street | Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 | (781) 642-9000 | (781) 647-3670 fax | esia.com
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New cooling tower and piping
existing chillers. The project started December 2015 and was 95% complete mid March 2016. The project was completed on time and per the budget with a $500,000 incentive to the owner from NGrid, energy savings of 602,955 KW (average $89,453) per year, and an incremental cost of $1,273,626 (baseline vs. ECM), resulting in 8.6 year payback after incentive with no disruption of services to owner and reduced maintenance costs.
Harvard Memorial Church
comfort of its visitors to enable year-round use, which is what the new control system will allow. Not only that, but the smart energy system will result in maximized energy efficiency and reduced energy costs for the church.”
Annual MEP Supplement
March 2017
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Sustainable Design: BSA 2016 BSA Design Awards Winners Boston – The Boston Society of Architects/ AIA (BSA) recently announced the winners of the 2016 BSA Design Awards. New England project winners in the Sustainable Design category are: Honor Awards • Architerra, for Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough, Mass. • Bruner/Cott & Associates, for R.W. Kern Center, Hampshire College, Amherst, Mass. Awards • Tise Design Associates, for Apartments, Cambridge, Mass.
Kohler Environmental Center, Wallingford Conn. / Robert A. M. Stern Architects
Fisheries and Wildlife Field HQ entry
LBJ
Citations • DiMella Shaffer Associates, for Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, Boston
LBJ Apartments Cambridge, Mass. / Jim Raycroft Photography Worldwide
• Robert A.M. Stern Architects, for Kohler Environmental Center, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Conn. Each year the BSA, often in collaboration with other organizations, sponsors award programs to honor design excellence in Massachusetts, throughout New England, and elsewhere. For a full list of awards visit architects.org/awards.
R.W. Kern Center / © Robert Benson Photograph
Promoting the Mechanical Contracting Industry for
125
Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (laboratory), Boston
HELP WANTED
We offer membership within the Mechanical Contractors Association, Mechanical Service Contractors Association, and the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau. We support our member contractors through our educational seminars, labor and government relations, industry news and marketing. Committed to the future of our industry, we sponsor MCA student chapters at Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Our affiliation with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and our strong, cooperative relationship with the United Association enable us to offer our members numerous opportunities to build lasting, beneficial relationships with peers while acquiring the business knowledge and tools to keep their company successful.
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March 2017
Consulting Engineering Services Announces Promotions
Michael Walsh
George V. Keithan
Middletown, CT – Consulting Engineering Services (CES) announced the promotions for the following employees effective January 2017: Michael B. Walsh, PE, a mechanical engineer, has been promoted to president. He joined the firm in 2005 as a team leader managing multi-disciplinary teams, then to principal, and more recently, vice president. George V. Keithan stepped down as president and will retain his status as a founder and principal in the firm, focusing on engineering and staff mentoring. He founded the company in 1994 and has served as president and CEO since its inception. Under his direction, the firm has grown to nearly 100 employees and four offices.
Electrical Construction
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Fire Alarm
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James L. Senatro
Scott A. Sullivan
James L. Senatro, PE, has been promoted to vice president. He has been with the firm since 2002, most recently serving as a principal of the firm, treasurer, and leader for one of the firm’s residential design teams. His principal responsibilities are split between the Middletown, Conn., and Norwood, Mass., offices. Scott A. Sullivan, PE, has been promoted to principal. Since 2003, he has been a leader in public school design and utilizing renewable energies, specializing in solar photovoltaic systems. His initiative and hands-on guidance of the multi-disciplined team and all of the electrical staff has pushed CES to the forefront of energy-efficient design firms, giving the firm a reputation as a leader in green technologies.
Special Projects
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Tel-Data/Security Systems
Excellence in Electrical Construction... For More Than 95 Years
Michael T. Bouchard
Derek T. Bride
Vincent J. Burns
Richard S. McCracken
Derek T. Bride was promoted to associate. With more than a decade of experience, he has quickly risen within the firm to his new role as associate. His design team has exceeded expectations with their collaborative design approach and open team communication. Bride is also currently president elect on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE ) CT Chapter Board of Governors.
mechanical engineer and has been serving as a project manager with CES in the New York City office since 2015. Burns thrives in the fast-paced, energetic NYC atmosphere. Concentrating on many projects throughout the city, he has expanded the NYC’s office portfolio to include new clients and exciting, high-caliber projects. His unwavering enthusiasm and dedication have earned Burns a spot as a team leader
Michael T. Bouchard, PE, has been promoted to team leader. He is a project manager and mechanical engineer with nearly a decade of experience and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Richard S. McCracken has been promoted to project manager. He started with CES in 2010 with 30+ years’ experience in electrical engineering. Through cutting-edge electrical engineering designs and knowledge of all phases of electrical engineering, he is a go-to resource for training in the office.
Vincent J. Burns has been promoted to team leader. He is an experienced
We Install, Service & Inspect “Peace of Mind” • INDUSTRIAL • • INSTITUTIONAL • • RESIDENTIAL • • COMMERCIAL •
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Annual MEP Supplement
March 2017
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EASTERN NEW ENGLAND SETS ITS SITES ON QUALITY AND SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL AND TELECOM CONSTRUCTION. NECA and IBEW set the standard for excellence in electrical, telecom, and renewable energy projects throughout Eastern New England.
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
MFA Boston, The Art of the Americas Wing
Center for Life Science, Boston, MA
New Balance World Headquarters, Boston, MA
UMASS Boston Integrated Sciences Complex
JATC Training Center/Wind Turbine, Boston, MA
In the world of construction, quality and safety are critical to every project. Which is why leading architects, general contractors, building owners, and facility managers throughout Eastern New England rely on the skilled union electricians of Local 103 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the professional electrical contractors of the Greater Boston Chapter of the National
Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). For more than a century, IBEW and NECA have literally helped build our region. From our most cherished historical sites and renowned educational institutions, to major transportation projects, leading technology companies, community schools, and libraries, our landmarks shed light on a century of electrical construction unsurpassed in quality.
Take a close look at just a few of the recently completed projects by NECA Greater Boston Chapter members. It will tell you where to turn for the highest standards in electrical, telecom, and renewable energy construction. Rely on the power of quality electrical work. Call 1-877-NECA-IBEW for a complete directory of NECA Greater Boston Chapter Members, or visit us at www.bostonneca.org
The future of renewable energy and green buildings is here.
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(877)NECA-IBEW (632-2423)
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Annual MEP Supplement
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March 2017
Fire and Ice: Eliminating Temperature Extremes in the Workplace
by Mike Padden Tell me if this sounds familiar. It’s the middle of July and the temperature is 90 degrees outside with 70% humidity. Naturally, the air conditioning at the office is running at full power. Refreshing, right? Definitely for some folks, but for others, it’s a bit too cold, forcing us to turn on our space heaters or throw on a sweater. This is an extremely common issue in the workplace. Some of us like the temperature on the cooler side, while others prefer to have it slightly warmer. Unfortunately for most of us, where we sit in the office is not determined by our preferences in temperature. Many office buildings have traditional HVAC systems where one thermostat controls multiple zones. So if Ed in accounting has a thermostat in his office and he likes it set at 65, all of his neighbors will enjoy 65 degrees, too. There is a solution. A heat recovery variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system
Individual office units in a VRF system are approximately the size of a ceiling tile or two (depending upon tile size)
enables building occupants to control heating and cooling in their individual work areas simultaneously. Depending upon the manufacturer, VRF uses a main distribution unit installed in the building’s interstitial space which does not require ductwork in most applications. Instead, there is an individual unit in each office. These office units are fed by copper piping through a main unit, allowing each employee to have his or her own office thermostat. VRF is not brand new to the industry. The system has been around for several years; however, it is still relatively underutilized, but has been gaining traction in the marketplace. Many building own-
ers are concerned about the price tag, as the upfront cost of VRF is greater than typical HVAC systems. However, VRF provides a long-term solution with greater efficiency and custom climate control. Also, think of the savings gained with no space heaters in use! Additionally, VRF is a great solution if building logistics are a concern. You may not always have the room for ductwork above your ceiling to meet your architectural desires. Piping used with a VRF system is typically no greater than 1.5 inches in diameter with 1-inch insulation. That’s a total of 2.5 inches compared to duct, which can be several feet in diameter. Another feature
of VRF is its adaptability for expansion. If your office is part of a phased project, VRF allows you to add on whenever you want. If you plan to expand in the future, but are not sure when, purchasing the proper VRF system upfront will only require additional copper piping and office units. All you would need to do is size the equipment prior to purchase. This work is much easier than running duct above finished ceilings and office space. Aside from cost, what else should you keep in mind when considering a VRF system? The functionality and efficiency is dependent upon the skill and expertise of the contractor installing the system. VRF can potentially contain hundreds of feet of small copper lines running through the ceiling, depending upon the size of your office building. A poor installation would compromise the entire system, which is why it’s critical to use a reliable contractor who specializes in this type of system. A VRF system may be a consideration for your next project. Before making a decision, though, you need to take into account the building’s size, function, and logistics, as well as the anticipated return on investment. The cost may be worth it if your employees are more comfortable and productive in their work environment. Mike Padden is an assistant project manager at JM Coull, Inc.
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Annual MEP Supplement
March 2017
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If You Build it, Will They Still Come?
by Donna A. DeFreitas Incorporating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable design features into all building designs has become a top priority for building owners, facilities managers, architects, designers, and others in new buildings. As states and local jurisdictions increasingly move toward more efficient building codes in regards to energy use, how can you guarantee that the design of your project will be a high-performance building design? Is it the building energy model developed in design? Why doesn’t my expensive building management system (BMS) do it for me? The high-performance building design process begins when the occupants’ needs are assessed and a project budget is established. The proposed building is carefully sited, and its programmed spac-
es are arranged to reduce energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting elements. Its heating and cooling loads are minimized by designing standard building envelope elements like the roof, windows, and walls, so that they control, collect, and store the sun’s energy to optimum advantage. And the building systems are chosen to meet the end users’ program elements with regards to efficient design element requirements, environment conditions, and building occupancy. High-performance building design is not just the result of applying one or more isolated building system technologies, but an integrated whole-building process that requires guidance, recommendations, and action on the part of the design team throughout the entire project development process, utilizing good design practices for planning and developing design approaches that encourage the achievement of complex building challenges. There is no official, legally recognized definition of good design practices, but its application involves a design process that is dynamic, repeatable, with involvement of the project’s end users and invested parties. A notable observation on design
from Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, is as follows: “Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks [and feels]. But, of course, if you dig deeper, it is really how it works.” How do we predict how a building design will work? Energy modeling is based on a series of assumptions about building characteristics that are based on physical attributes and anticipated use patterns. In my opinion, there are three hurdles to why a design phase building energy model does not accurately predict the actual building’s energy use. They are: • The weather. • Building operations. • Building maintenance. The weather is, well, the weather, but the building is only as efficient as how its facilities personnel operates it and how it will be maintained over the building’s life cycle. Building energy models need to be aligned with the actual building performance outcome in order for this design tool to effectively serve the design community in delivering high-performance building designs. Reducing excessive energy costs requires a comprehensive approach toward the low-energy building design and a dedicated facilities team to understand the design intent and effectively manage and review the operation after the
building is occupied. And what about that expensive BMS black box? Today’s advanced building designs and their sequence of operation can be complex and, therefore, confusing to operate. Ensuring your contracting partners understand the building design and how you want to operate your building are the first steps towards operating your building efficiently and lowering your building operational energy use. Your facilities operational personnel will also need to be trained to effectively manage the BMS. When the building systems are designed, installed, and commissioned properly, the end result will provide a smart building that learns the building operations, produces the accurate ventilation levels, reduces energy consumption, and provides an optimal environment for the building occupants. Post-occupancy reviews and continuous commissioning standard operation procedures will assist in ensuring that your new building maintains its low-energy building design and life-cycle costs. The resultant energy savings from your high-performance building design will continue to grow year over year. Donna A. DeFreitas is an associate principal at Vanderweil Engineers.
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March 2017
Hitchcock Center at Hampshire College Teaches Environmental Literacy
Large, clear cylindrical tanks capture the first 1/16-inch of rain
Amherst, MA – The new 8,000sf home of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment doesn’t just talk the talk. A participant in the Living Building Challenge, the $4.2 million center generates its own energy from the sun and captures its own drinking water from the rain. Located on Hampshire College’s campus in Amherst, it also features an integrated interpretive program that explains universal natural principles and illustrates how those principles are
applied within the building. Designed by Boston’s designLAB architects, the new center uses a combination of high-tech and hands-on tools to illustrate the direct connection between people and our place in the natural world. designLAB installed sensors that monitor outdoor temperature and humidity. When it’s nice outside, the mechanical system is disabled and an indicator light switches from red to green,
JMB Nears Completion of MIT Theater Arts Facility Project Cambridge, MA – J&M Brown Company, Inc. (JMB), headquartered in Jamaica Plain, is on schedule with the comprehensive electrical construction of MIT’s new Theater Arts facility in Cambridge, a project that entails the complete reshaping and renovation of a former warehouse. A NECA contractor JMB is teaming with GC: Shawmut Design & Construction; Spectrum Integrated Technologies (IT) providing Security & A/V System Installations; and Boston Light & Sound as AV Consultant. The facility will house new rehearsal spaces, studios, costume and scene design shops, dressing rooms, and performance space for the MIT Theater Arts program. J&M Brown is providing upgrades of the building’s infrastructure as well as all electrical systems. The scope includes installation of a new electrical distribution system, fire alarm system, LED lighting integrated to an advanced lighting control system with occupancy sensors. The renovation was preceded by the complete gutting of the existing building. J&M Brown’s low-voltage division, Spectrum Integrated Technologies, is providing the facility’s security and AV system installations, working with AV
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consultant Boston Light & Sound. The facility’s sophisticated and extensive AV systems required more than 35 separate conduit runs, which connect the performance area to the AV control room. Two months of preconstruction planning was a critical component of the project, as JMB and Spectrum will meet the aggressive four-month construction schedule. The implementation of full CAD coordination has been a significant factor in streamlining the construction project. JMB Construction Group operations manager Bob Carabia, PM Matt Noon, and foreman Darryl Weiss are supervising the JMB project team with a field crew comprised of more than 29 electricians and technicians at peak construction. Spectrum PM Mike Anderson is heading the audio-visual project. J&M Brown is on a project team that includes the architectural firm designLAB Architects; construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction; and engineering firm Vanderweil Engineers, all of Boston. The project has a sustainability focus and is targeting LEED Gold certification. The new home for MIT Theater Arts program is schedule for completion by mid-March.
The network of hiking trails was greatly expanded.
letting users know it’s time to open the windows. The Hitchcock Center is dedicated to the promotion of environmental literacy — that is, a broad understanding of how people and societies relate to each other and to natural systems. Every classroom is equipped with direct outdoor access, and Hitchcock embeds learning opportunities within every space, including hallways and transition zones. Outside the center is an environmentally diverse landscape, including a rain garden, constructed wetland, and pollinator gardens, to promote habitat and species diversity. Locating the building on Hampshire College offers access to an extensive trail network and broadens the center’s educational network. The site’s location also offers access to and opportunities for observation of the natural world, including bird watching, specimen gathering, water sampling, and stargazing. The building’s two wings are connected by an ecotone — an ecological zone of transition from one habitat to another (for example a wetland to woodland or forest to prairie). The ecotone offers the chance to transition from The Den to The Nest or from observed principles of nature to applied principles. On the floor
of the ecotone is an artist’s rendering of the Connecticut River Valley watershed, which illustrates HCE’s role in the regional water system. The building captures all of its drinking water from rain and returns all water used back to the aquifer. During a storm, four large, clear cylindrical tanks located in the ecotone capture the first 1/16-inch of rain from the roof. This initial runoff contains the largest amount of impurities. Subsequent runoff flows into a reservoir beneath the nest courtyard. Inside the ecotone, pipes are color-coded to show the path and function of the water collection system. In the basement, a series of UV treatments and filters purifies the water for drinking without chemicals. Composting toilets use 3 to 6 ounces of water with biodegradable foam and greatly reduce the center’s overall demand for wastewater handling. The composting toilets are paired with a greywater system to handle wastewater generated from other plumbing fixtures. A constructed wetland outside the building treats wastewater by mimicking the biological, chemical, and physical processes that occur in natural wetlands. The treated water is then released onto a leach field where it recharges underground water reserves.
Night view of the Hitchcock Center
Annual MEP Supplement
March 2017
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BELIMO HQ Receives LEED Gold Designed by SLAM
Making Technology Work For You BELIMO America’s North American headquarters
Danbury, CT – BELIMO America’s North American headquarters in Danbury has received LEED Gold certification. Perched on its new 34-acre site, the 195,000sf facility, designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM), comprises 129,000sf of logistics and manufacturing space, 15,000sf of test labs, and 51,000sf of office space across three stories. The facility incorporates many of its own energy-saving products throughout the facility, such as its bright orange actuators or its energy valves, which utilize system operation data to improve performance and optimize energy efficiency, allowing visitors to see how they are being used in real-world applications.
The office block, which contains the main building entrance, is located on the southeast corner to benefit from a passive solar orientation and conform to the topography. To control solar heat gain, BELIMO’s glass curtainwall incorporates horizontal and vertical shading devices, depending on orientation; the office program was distributed on three different levels, utilizing low-profile furnishings to minimize the building footprint and maximize daylight and view opportunities for both office and manufacturing staff; interior product selection was based on environmentally friendly component factors; and new AV technology limits previously extensive travel between sites.
Wentworth Chapter Awards
Leading the industry in advanced building technology services: • • • • • • • •
Access Control Audio/Visual Building Automation Design/Installation Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection Systems Video Surveillance Voice & Data
Wentworth MCA Chapter members receive MCERF Scholarship Awards
Boston – For the fifth year in a row, the Wentworth MCA Student Chapter received a Chapter of Excellence Award from MCAA/MCERF. The award totals $7,500, out of which $5,000 is used for scholarships to the most active and dedicated members of the chapter as identified by the faculty advisor. Every year, 10 student chapters from around the U.S. are awarded these prestigious grants based on their contributions and involvement during the year on things such as volunteer work, site trips, student competition, co-ops, etc. This year’s recipients were: George
Hill, chapter VP, senior, CM 2017; Lorina Imami, senior, facilities management 2017; Spencer Liquori, junior, CM 2018; David Puglisi, chapter president, senior, CM 2017; and Brian Tocci, junior, CM 2018. Also in attendance were: Chuck Hotchkiss, dean of College of Architecture, Design and Construction Management; Scott Sumner, chairman of CM Department; Lory Tyger, coordinator of Student Engagement; CM faculty Ilyas Bhatti, Tom Taddeo, and Bill Kearney; New England MCA/MSCA representatives Frank Stefanick and Stephen Affanato; and Cristina Cosma, faculty advisor.
www.kaydonit.com 290 Pine Street, Canton, MA • (781) 728-4100 • sales@kaydonit.com www.high-profile.com
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March 2017
South Street Landing Redevelopment Nearing Completion
South Street aerial view
Providence, RI – Arden Engineering Constructors and Unique Metal Works, subsidiaries of Arden Building Companies, provided complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sheet metal services for the South Street Landing Redevelopment Project, a large-scale Gilbane endeavor that is slated for completion later this year. The project consists of three separate scopes (one commercial,
one residential, one parking garage). Located alongside the Providence River, the long-vacant South Street Power Station, originally commissioned by National Grid to provide electricity to surrounding areas, underwent a renovation that represents a larger transformation of the city’s famed Jewelry District. Once a hub of manufacture and modern industrialization, the region now
Malden School Installs Solar System
South Street pumphouse
supports economic growth and plays host to an academic and residential complex to be shared by three higher-education institutions. Developed by CV Properties, The South Street Landing Redevelopment Project includes the repurposing of the 104-year-old power plant into a state-ofthe-art nursing education facility to be shared by students from Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. The top two floors are designated for administrative use by neighboring Brown University. The project also includes the construction of an adjacent parking garage and graduate student housing complex. Arden Engineering Constructors’ scope of work included the installation of all mechanical, electrical, fire protection,
and plumbing systems for the 265,000sf facility. This included telecommunications/data, temperature controls, and numerous mechanical rooms. Unique Metal Works provided ductwork design, fabrication, and installation. Over the life of the project, the Arden and Unique teams logged over 20,000 man-hours with men and women from Rhode Island Locals 51, 99, 669, and 17 onsite each and every day ensuring that the project is being completed to the highest of standards. Due to the jobsite’s location in downtown Providence, careful consideration was taken to ensure minimal disruption to neighboring residents and businesses. Phased installation of prefabricated components allowed Arden and Unique to remain on schedule with minimal interference to other building trades.
NECA Announces Updates
Solar energy system on the roof of Malden Catholic High School
Malden, MA – Malden Catholic High School has partnered with Solect Energy of Hopkinton to install a 476 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its Malden campus. The solar array is expected to cover a significant portion of the company’s annual electricity use and stabilize its costs to protect against future rate hikes The school entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through PowerOptions Small Systems Solar Program. Under the program, Solect owns and operates the solar array and sells the power generated back to the organization at a reduced, fixed rate for a period of 20 years. The agreement not
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only stabilizes the school’s energy costs, but provides the energy at a lower rate through an environmentally responsible source. In addition to its solar installation, Malden Catholic is dedicated to a thorough recycling program and has recently converted to more energyefficient lighting to ensure a more-efficient campus. Additionally, it has converted from print to digital marketing to support the school’s initiatives while minimizing its environmental impact. The school has made strides in advancing environmental awareness and responsibility and felt solar from Solect is the next logical step.
Bethesda, MD – The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently announced new updates to the NECA Safety Meeting App that improve its performance and increases functionality for smart devices and tablets. The Safety Meeting App assists NECA contractors in complying with requirements for documenting mandatory safety meetings and other incidents that
occur on jobsites. The app has added desired functionality through several useful checklists and job briefing forms, and most importantly, accurately documents these required functions electronically.
NECA members now have these additional functions and resources in the job briefing/checklist space of the app: • NFPA 70E job briefing. • Safety checklist. • Equipment checklist. • Truck/site safety checklist. • Fall protection inspection checklist. • Vehicle inspection checklist.
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MEC Installs Tower at Mystic Station AHA Completes College Project Charlestown, MA – MEC Power Group, the high-voltage utility division of McDonald Electrical, has recently furnished and installed an 85-ft. H-frame 345kV tower structure at Mystic Generating Station to increase the ground clearance of an existing 345kV transmission line. The structure, set on concrete spread footings, is designed to support the existing 795 ACSR conductors and shield wires. MEC extended existing transformer taps to accommodate the increased cable height. The installation required the use of two 100-ft. man-lifts, a 90-ton crane to raise the poles, and a 60-ton crane to place the cross-arm. The NECA Boston contractor teamed with electrical engineer Stantec of Boston and owner Exelon Generation, LLC. The work was completed during a three-day power outage of the Mystic 7 diesel turbine. MEC expedited procurement of all
Mystic generating station tower structure
materials, and the crew of six IBEW Local 103 electricians performed installations on the fast-track project in constricted work space at the fully operational power station. The project was headed by MEC’s division director Chris Lombardi.
WJGEI Spotlights Apprentices
Wayne J. Griffin, president of Griffin Electric, discusses the company’s Apprenticeship Training Program with local high school students and their families during the company’s celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
Holliston, MA – Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (WJGEI ) recently participated in the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week. Having taken place for its second year, National Apprenticeship Week serves to highlight the important role that apprentices play in offering employers the opportunity to develop a highly skilled workforce and help grow their business, while providing career seekers the chance to earn an income in conjunction with learning the necessary skills to succeed. Griffin Electric held events in each of its five offices in order to spotlight and honor its in-house Apprenticeship Training Program and the apprentices enrolled in the program, while educating prospective students on the real-world benefits of apprenticeship. In celebration of current apprentices and their professional accomplishments, giveaways, raffles, and a special luncheon were provided to these individuals during
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia – AHA Consulting Engineers provided MEP/FP design, energy modeling, and LEED administration services for the new 190,000sf college house project that has the capacity to house 350 students at University of Pennsylvania. Designed and built to attain a
minimum of LEED Silver certification, AHA engineered a plan to include lowflow and low consumption plumbing fixtures, vegetated green roof, domestic hot water pre-heat with steam condensate, and ventilation unit with enthalpy wheel energy recovery.
New Owner for 45-Year-Old CAC
Rich Auger, one of the former owners/partners at CAC, is shown with new owner Dr. Izuh Obinelo (far right) and his wife, Nzenalu.
Weymouth, MA – ROI Corporation of Weymouth and Marietta, Ga., recently announced the completion of the sale of Commercial Air Control (CAC) of Weymouth, a 45-year-old heating, ventilation, and air conditioning provider, to Dr. Izuh Obinelo. CAC is a 25-person company, established in 1972, that focuses on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) projects throughout Massachusetts. The
company handles new installations, renovations, retrofits, and service of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The firm is located at 19 Rantoule Street, Weymouth. The company’s owners prior to the transaction were Richard Auger and Ed Forbes. Both of the firm’s previous owners will remain with the company under the new ownership, as will the rest of the company’s employees.
New GBPCA Analyst O’Connor the Electrical Workers IBEW Local 103 in Boston. She was also a union steward with the Service Employees International Boston - Greater Boston PlumbUnion local in Boston where she ing Contractors Association Lorepresented medical assistants, cal 12 has announced that Ann nursing assistants, and other O’Connor will serve as research healthcare workers. O’Connor analyst to replace Paul Coutinho earned a degree in labor who is retiring after 20 years at Ann O’Connor GBPCA. studies and management from O’Connor was a research assistant at UMass Boston. Editor’s note: From Pipeline, the newsletter of Plumbers and Gasfitters Boston Local 12. (l-r) WJGEI’s Alabama regional manager with a young apprentice
the National Apprenticeship Week open house. Additionally, project foremen treated their crews to a jobsite luncheon, in order to recognize both apprentices and the licensed electricians who help educate them throughout the construction process.
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March 2017
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