As we have seen over the past several International Code updates, the International Energy Conservation Code has the most significant changes. As is now typical for IECC updates, there are numerous changes to make energy performance requirements more stringent, and some of these will have impacts on construction costs.
If the week of February 15th taught us anything, it is that we are not immune, even in Texas, to severe winter weather. The DBR family around the state had the full spectrum of experiences – from the fortunate few who didn’t lose power or water to those whose homes sustained serious damage. Commercial and educational buildings throughout the state were also impacted. Preparedness for events like this begins at the design stage.
DBR began using BIM 360 Teams in 2016 and since then, the firm has transitioned to BIM 360 Design allowing us to not only have one source of truth for our documents but also allowing us to collaborate live and in real-time with other consultants. BIM 360 Design removes our dependency on local servers and the stress of replicating documents from one server to the other with minimal or no IT assistance.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, below are DBR’s proposed HVAC design measures that will help prevent the spread of viruses and other harmful bacteria. DBR recommends the use of any of the options indicated below based on the owner’s requirement, the facility type, maintenance impact, and cost. Please note that none of these options are proven yet to eliminate the COVID-19 virus.
DBR can employ a multi-tiered design that aims to prevent damage to public and private infrastructure, provide minimal electrical distortion to the network and effectively suppress or redirect surges and spikes in the electricity we use. These strategies ultimately increase the life span of equipment, result in fewer internal failures and result in more reliable and efficient use of power.
A fire pump is a critical component of a building’s water-based fire protection system, and a critical life-safety equipment item in a building. An early and direct dialog is of utmost importance to ensure a well-planned and compliant final installation.
When it comes to prescribing the necessary engineering controls and safety features to provide a safe learning environment for our children in the K-12 Educational Science Classroom, we must sift through the over-abundant information available to determine what is, in fact, code and regulatory requirements versus what is anecdotal guidelines.
Director of Sustainability, Eddy Santosa, had the opportunity back in August to attend the Swiss US Energy Innovation Days 2018 in Romandie, Switzerland. Here’s what he learned.
When a police chief expressed his dissatisfaction with the high energy costs of their previous building, he indicated the need for more energy efficient systems, especially the HVAC system. DBR presented the following three HVAC options to the project team for the new Conroe Police Department & Court Facility. Here’s a Case Study of the Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump HVAC System.