Description

South Chicago was built circa 1925 as a YMCA facility, and in 1979 it was extended with additional residential units; in total there are 101-residential units. The building poised performance issues for the owner. The building had been modified many times since original construction making it difficult for building operations, as mechanical systems overlap between different spaces. The building has a very high energy consumption and needs upgraded HVAC that dedicated for space by use types. Like the HVAC, the interior compartmentalization required careful consideration to ensure appropriate and effective space separation. BEC assessed the existing conditions and performance issues for the enclosure, compartmentalization, and mechanical systems prior to design and renovation. BEC developed and provided recommendations for the design and renovation team to improve the building and tackle the performance concerns. BEC is the Commissioning Agent (CxA) for the upgrade project from design through construction.

Description

Building Evolution Corporation (BEC) performed a time-critical assessment and directed the upgrade for the heating and hot water plant for a large-scale residential project. The project consists of two connected high-rise apartment buildings built in the early 1970s and including approximately 150,000 square feet. Boilers, which provided both heating and hot water, were failing during the heating season. The owner was concerned about the performance of the combined boiler plant and cogeneration (Cogen) equipment which was used to supplement/back-up the boilers. BEC visually assessed the operation of heating and hot water systems and installed data loggers to further diagnose performance of heating boilers, Cogen unit, pumping, distribution and controls. BEC developed a Basis of Design for boiler replacement, DHW storage, and optimization of the DHW and heating plant. BEC contracted an engineering design firm to provide Construction Documents (CDs). BEC engaged representatives of electric and gas utilities as well as Action Inc. to secure financial assistance to the upgrade. As a result, the entire project cost (nearly $1 million) was paid through incentives. BEC continued to represent the client as Commissioning Agent (CxA) for the upgrade project.

Description

Building Evolution Corporation (BEC) has performed a Performance Assessment of existing six-story condominium, over 100,000 square feet, built circa 1980. BEC evaluated the heating and cooling systems, which had reliability and redundancy issues. We also evaluated the enclosure systems. Our assessment allowed the owner to select a high efficiency VRF heating and cooling upgrade project that aligns with the facility goals. The upgrade will alleviate many issues with the existing system, provide effective heating and cooling, improve comfort, and reduce energy costs. BEC also coordinated with MassCEC and achieved $180,000 grant funding for the project. BEC managed the design process and contractor selection as a representative for the client and is the Commissioning Agent (CxA) for the upgrade project.