Publications & Press Releases
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Publications
Don't Discount the Discount Rate
(PDF, 476 KB)
District Energy Magazine - Jan 25, 2012
“Identifying the appropriate discount rate is a critical factor when conducting net present value (NPV) analysis. Minor changes in the discount rate can cause significant impacts in the results. See how and why?”
District Energy Magazine - Jan 25, 2012
“Identifying the appropriate discount rate is a critical factor when conducting net present value (NPV) analysis. Minor changes in the discount rate can cause significant impacts in the results. See how and why?”
Face to Face: Gregory Jasmin and Bassem Hariri
ConstructionWeekOnline - Dec 18, 2011
From the CMA Tower in Riyadh to the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the newly-formed Syska Hennessy Group MENA is targeting mission-critical facilities.
ConstructionWeekOnline - Dec 18, 2011
From the CMA Tower in Riyadh to the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the newly-formed Syska Hennessy Group MENA is targeting mission-critical facilities.
Lotte, Korea's First Supertower, is an All-in-the-Family Affair
Engineering News-Record - Dec 13, 2011
Delivery of the future-tallest building in the Republic of Korea is a family affair—or the closest thing to it. Lotte Group, the owner-developer of the planned 555-meter Lotte World Tower in Seoul, is bringing back the master-builder model for its first supertower by keeping project management, construction management and general contracting under its own roof. Syska Hennessy is part of this project that’s “all-in- the family."
Engineering News-Record - Dec 13, 2011
Delivery of the future-tallest building in the Republic of Korea is a family affair—or the closest thing to it. Lotte Group, the owner-developer of the planned 555-meter Lotte World Tower in Seoul, is bringing back the master-builder model for its first supertower by keeping project management, construction management and general contracting under its own roof. Syska Hennessy is part of this project that’s “all-in- the family."
Top US Engineer Calls for Hands-on Consulting
Construction Weekly (now Contract Journal) - Dec 12, 2011
Syska Hennessy MENA co-managing directors, Greg Jasmin and Bassem Harriri are interviewed and discuss in depth branching out the firm's Engineering/Consulting/ and Commissioning practice out in the Middle East North Africa region.
Construction Weekly (now Contract Journal) - Dec 12, 2011
Syska Hennessy MENA co-managing directors, Greg Jasmin and Bassem Harriri are interviewed and discuss in depth branching out the firm's Engineering/Consulting/ and Commissioning practice out in the Middle East North Africa region.
Powering Knowledge: Using BIM for SAS's Data Center
(PDF, 4.11 MB)
Data Center Journal - Nov 15, 2011
Together with Syska Hennessy Group and the building team, SAS brought its newest high-performance data center to life in October 2010. Working in collaboration with BIM, operational efficiencies were championed by implementing a series of power, mechanical and water technologies and strategies. One year later, the data center reports smooth operations.
Data Center Journal - Nov 15, 2011
Together with Syska Hennessy Group and the building team, SAS brought its newest high-performance data center to life in October 2010. Working in collaboration with BIM, operational efficiencies were championed by implementing a series of power, mechanical and water technologies and strategies. One year later, the data center reports smooth operations.
Engineers Signal Construction Rise is Coming
Crain's New York Business - Nov 11, 2011
Things may be looking up soon for the construction industry. Engineering firms, widely seen as the bellwethers of the building industry, are showing gains in employment and in the number of their projects.
Crain's New York Business - Nov 11, 2011
Things may be looking up soon for the construction industry. Engineering firms, widely seen as the bellwethers of the building industry, are showing gains in employment and in the number of their projects.
Engineering Firm Launches Dubai Joint Venture with Local Player, LZ
DatacenterDynamics Focus Magazine - Nov 10, 2011
After 30 years of being active in the Middle East, Syska Hennessy Group opened a dedicated office for the region in Dubai. The firm discusses its plans to grow Syska Hennessy MENA.
DatacenterDynamics Focus Magazine - Nov 10, 2011
After 30 years of being active in the Middle East, Syska Hennessy Group opened a dedicated office for the region in Dubai. The firm discusses its plans to grow Syska Hennessy MENA.
How Should I Grow My Data Center
(PDF, 253 KB)
7x24Newslink - Nov 10, 2011
Knowledgeable data center owners and operators have learned, to their regret, over many years that building too much or too little data center critical IT load capacity (simply called capacity in this article) at one time often causes major problems. This article examines the typical problems encountered, proposes a strategy for rational growth, and illustrates an example of how to implement the strategy.
7x24Newslink - Nov 10, 2011
Knowledgeable data center owners and operators have learned, to their regret, over many years that building too much or too little data center critical IT load capacity (simply called capacity in this article) at one time often causes major problems. This article examines the typical problems encountered, proposes a strategy for rational growth, and illustrates an example of how to implement the strategy.
Critical Facilities: Data Center Security (Parts 1-4)
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Nov 08, 2011
Protecting the facility and its equipment from unauthorized access and human error involves preventing third party vendors and even internal personnel from gaining access to unauthorized areas, network lines and equipment to do physical damage. Securing both internal and external areas within and surrounding the mission critical environment is crucial to maintaining optimal reliability.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Nov 08, 2011
Protecting the facility and its equipment from unauthorized access and human error involves preventing third party vendors and even internal personnel from gaining access to unauthorized areas, network lines and equipment to do physical damage. Securing both internal and external areas within and surrounding the mission critical environment is crucial to maintaining optimal reliability.
Expansion Advantages of Wireless Controls
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Nov 08, 2011
The growing use of wireless devices has produced, along with gains in flexibility and energy savings, some surprises for facility managers. Learn what some of the pros and cons are with wireless controls.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Nov 08, 2011
The growing use of wireless devices has produced, along with gains in flexibility and energy savings, some surprises for facility managers. Learn what some of the pros and cons are with wireless controls.
Keeping Communication Lines Open
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - Oct 18, 2011
Gary Brennen, the Co-President of Syska Hennessy Group in Los Angeles, talks about his experiences with the company and his hopes for the future.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - Oct 18, 2011
Gary Brennen, the Co-President of Syska Hennessy Group in Los Angeles, talks about his experiences with the company and his hopes for the future.
Educating By Example
Engineered Systems - Sep 12, 2011
With a high prescription for occupant comfort and efficient MEP systems design, a number of state-of-the-art building technologies were specified at 41 Cooper Square. Through energy modeling and creative engineering, different HVAc scenarious were tried and tested until the righ formula for the building emerged.
Engineered Systems - Sep 12, 2011
With a high prescription for occupant comfort and efficient MEP systems design, a number of state-of-the-art building technologies were specified at 41 Cooper Square. Through energy modeling and creative engineering, different HVAc scenarious were tried and tested until the righ formula for the building emerged.
Benefits of Economic Analyses (part 2)
(PDF, 417 KB)
District Energy Magazine - Sep 01, 2011
Whether you are looking into buying a new car or connecting to a district energy system, using an NPV analysis technique can effectively capture all of the parameters economically over the life of the study. As an industry, we have to start quantifying the qualitative advantages of district energy to help level the playing field.
District Energy Magazine - Sep 01, 2011
Whether you are looking into buying a new car or connecting to a district energy system, using an NPV analysis technique can effectively capture all of the parameters economically over the life of the study. As an industry, we have to start quantifying the qualitative advantages of district energy to help level the playing field.
Coloring Data Centers Green
Sustainable Facility - Aug 15, 2011
These days, it’s not easy to really be green. It seems that so many building systems manufacturers declare their product to be the newest and most sustainable on the market; claiming that its use will color your facility green. From renewable technologies to recycled materials and energy efficient claims, it can be challenging to sift through all the “Greenwashing” to find truly sustainable solutions for your data center.
Sustainable Facility - Aug 15, 2011
These days, it’s not easy to really be green. It seems that so many building systems manufacturers declare their product to be the newest and most sustainable on the market; claiming that its use will color your facility green. From renewable technologies to recycled materials and energy efficient claims, it can be challenging to sift through all the “Greenwashing” to find truly sustainable solutions for your data center.
Office Properties Provide Fertile Ground for Green Retrofits
National Real Estate Investor Magazine - Aug 08, 2011
Commercial property owners as well as building tenants are proving that it doesn’t take new construction to establish an energy-efficient building with a minimal impact on the environment.
National Real Estate Investor Magazine - Aug 08, 2011
Commercial property owners as well as building tenants are proving that it doesn’t take new construction to establish an energy-efficient building with a minimal impact on the environment.
Rx for Hospital Design: Models & Meetings
Engineering News-Record - Jul 25, 2011
The new University Medical Center of Princeton is using BIM modeling and high performance strategies for its planned completion in March 2012. Keeping the lines of communications amongst all the players through frequent meetings has also helped this project progress seamlessly from the early planning stages to current construction. Collaborative efforts among the owner, architect, engineer and constructor are key.
Engineering News-Record - Jul 25, 2011
The new University Medical Center of Princeton is using BIM modeling and high performance strategies for its planned completion in March 2012. Keeping the lines of communications amongst all the players through frequent meetings has also helped this project progress seamlessly from the early planning stages to current construction. Collaborative efforts among the owner, architect, engineer and constructor are key.
New Terminal Headlines Aviation Construction Saga
(PDF, 6.38 MB)
Engineering News-Record - Jul 04, 2011
Ranked as the 6th largest and busiest airport in the world, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is continually updating, expanding or renovating its facilities and infrastructure in order to improve the quality of passenger service, as well as accommodate a new generation of larger aircraft. Currently, the airport is expanding and modernizing Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), also known as “Bradley West," as well constructing a new Central Utility Plant to support it.
Engineering News-Record - Jul 04, 2011
Ranked as the 6th largest and busiest airport in the world, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is continually updating, expanding or renovating its facilities and infrastructure in order to improve the quality of passenger service, as well as accommodate a new generation of larger aircraft. Currently, the airport is expanding and modernizing Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), also known as “Bradley West," as well constructing a new Central Utility Plant to support it.
Tall Order for Super High-Rises
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - May 23, 2011
Super high-rise buildings pose unique challenges to engineers. The number of these buildings is increasing, which is creating more demand for specialized engineers with high-rise expertise.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - May 23, 2011
Super high-rise buildings pose unique challenges to engineers. The number of these buildings is increasing, which is creating more demand for specialized engineers with high-rise expertise.
Top 10 Reasons to Use BIM for your next Data Center Project
Data Center Journal - May 16, 2011
The fast track scheduling, tight budgets and extensive coordination required of a data center project can be enhanced with the latest in BIM, whether it be on a greenfield site or part of an existing facility upgrade. This article discusses these benefits in detail and proposes utilization of BIM methodology for your next data center project.
Data Center Journal - May 16, 2011
The fast track scheduling, tight budgets and extensive coordination required of a data center project can be enhanced with the latest in BIM, whether it be on a greenfield site or part of an existing facility upgrade. This article discusses these benefits in detail and proposes utilization of BIM methodology for your next data center project.
Prime Time- Gary Brennen & Cyrus Izzo Co-Presidents, Syska Hennessy Group
NY Inc.com - Apr 21, 2011
Commercial real estate owners throughout New York City are actively seeking sustainable, high performance approaches to enhance their current assets, or to employ in new construction projects, for two main reasons: First, they understand high performance/sustainable building and operational practices guarantee a real return on investment, which will affect their bottom line. Secondly, and of equal importance, is the ability to positively impact the well-being of building occupants.
NY Inc.com - Apr 21, 2011
Commercial real estate owners throughout New York City are actively seeking sustainable, high performance approaches to enhance their current assets, or to employ in new construction projects, for two main reasons: First, they understand high performance/sustainable building and operational practices guarantee a real return on investment, which will affect their bottom line. Secondly, and of equal importance, is the ability to positively impact the well-being of building occupants.
Benefits of Economic Analyses (Pt. 1)
(PDF, 710 KB)
District Energy Magazine - Apr 18, 2011
Just like buying cars, in order to sell district energy you have to know all the facts and all the costs. Find out which costs and parameters are important to consider for any district energy service discussion.
District Energy Magazine - Apr 18, 2011
Just like buying cars, in order to sell district energy you have to know all the facts and all the costs. Find out which costs and parameters are important to consider for any district energy service discussion.
Carbon Management Article
(PDF, 1.04 MB)
Urban Land - Apr 15, 2011
More and more companies in various industries are beginning to look at their carbon footprint and how they can best measure, monitor, and mitigate carbon emissions related to their output. Understanding the market forces, trends and challenges involved with carbon emissions and their reduction as well as being able to identify and measure current emissions, are the first steps that must be taken. High-performance strategies can then be considered and implemented to achieve efficiencies, as well as reach goals for environmental stewardship.
Urban Land - Apr 15, 2011
More and more companies in various industries are beginning to look at their carbon footprint and how they can best measure, monitor, and mitigate carbon emissions related to their output. Understanding the market forces, trends and challenges involved with carbon emissions and their reduction as well as being able to identify and measure current emissions, are the first steps that must be taken. High-performance strategies can then be considered and implemented to achieve efficiencies, as well as reach goals for environmental stewardship.
A Cool Solution
Buildings.com - Apr 11, 2011
Popular in Europe since the 1970s, chilled beam cooling is fairly new on U.S. shores, but is making headway in the market thanks to the booming push for efficiency.
Buildings.com - Apr 11, 2011
Popular in Europe since the 1970s, chilled beam cooling is fairly new on U.S. shores, but is making headway in the market thanks to the booming push for efficiency.
High Performance Education:
Employing sustainable technologies to fu
American School and University - Apr 04, 2011
Today’s modern academic facilities face two unique design and construction challenges. Their designs must embrace sustainability and collaboration, while their structures must be built to last a century. Employing sustainable strategies, in either new or renovation projects, will achieve efficient facilities with healthy environments, leading to the next generation to higher performance, both inside and outside the classroom.
Employing sustainable technologies to fu
American School and University - Apr 04, 2011
Today’s modern academic facilities face two unique design and construction challenges. Their designs must embrace sustainability and collaboration, while their structures must be built to last a century. Employing sustainable strategies, in either new or renovation projects, will achieve efficient facilities with healthy environments, leading to the next generation to higher performance, both inside and outside the classroom.
Integrating Data Centers into Academic Laboratories
Mission Critical - Apr 04, 2011
The need for high-performance computing is forcing today’s academic laboratories into the 21st century. Once the home of notepads, pencils, calculators, and ruled paper, these laboratories can no longer function without a data center to support today’s high-powered computer needs. How are today’s successful academic laboratories meeting their ever-expanding computing needs with limited academic budgets? Balance and focus on flexibility to accommodate future growth are keys to success.
Mission Critical - Apr 04, 2011
The need for high-performance computing is forcing today’s academic laboratories into the 21st century. Once the home of notepads, pencils, calculators, and ruled paper, these laboratories can no longer function without a data center to support today’s high-powered computer needs. How are today’s successful academic laboratories meeting their ever-expanding computing needs with limited academic budgets? Balance and focus on flexibility to accommodate future growth are keys to success.
Making Sure you get your money’s worth in the Commissioning Process
Today's Facility Manager - Mar 28, 2011
How do you know if the commissioning is being done correctly? What guidelines can be built into the process to maintain the right checks and balances? The answers lie in a greater understanding of the commissioning process itself. More than just testing systems and securing energy efficiencies, commissioning is the holistic process of assuring full reliability and functionality throughout building systems and equipment and beyond baseline LEED commissioning.
Today's Facility Manager - Mar 28, 2011
How do you know if the commissioning is being done correctly? What guidelines can be built into the process to maintain the right checks and balances? The answers lie in a greater understanding of the commissioning process itself. More than just testing systems and securing energy efficiencies, commissioning is the holistic process of assuring full reliability and functionality throughout building systems and equipment and beyond baseline LEED commissioning.
Cyrus Izzo
(PDF, 429 KB)
Mann Report - Mar 01, 2011
The Mann Report interviewed Cyrus Izzo in their "Commercial Corner". Covering his motivations and business insight, this interview takes a snapshot of one of our Co-Presidents.
Mann Report - Mar 01, 2011
The Mann Report interviewed Cyrus Izzo in their "Commercial Corner". Covering his motivations and business insight, this interview takes a snapshot of one of our Co-Presidents.
Part 1: Commissioning: From Optional to Mainstream article
Today's Facility Manager - Feb 28, 2011
Current business financial pressures and uptime demands have created an environment where owners can no longer afford for a building to go through its classic phases of design and construction and then progress through a “teething” stage to become fully functional. Instead, owners must be sure that their complex systems and infrastructure are performing as designed on day one.
Today's Facility Manager - Feb 28, 2011
Current business financial pressures and uptime demands have created an environment where owners can no longer afford for a building to go through its classic phases of design and construction and then progress through a “teething” stage to become fully functional. Instead, owners must be sure that their complex systems and infrastructure are performing as designed on day one.
Engineering Net-Zero Buildings
Environmental Design + Construction - Feb 23, 2011
In setting the stage for a building to be operationally net zero or carbon neutral in performance, engineers are responsible for conceiving and designing the energy- and water-consuming systems for the building — crucial components from day one. Subsequently, it’s very important to consult with engineers in the initial design phases.
Environmental Design + Construction - Feb 23, 2011
In setting the stage for a building to be operationally net zero or carbon neutral in performance, engineers are responsible for conceiving and designing the energy- and water-consuming systems for the building — crucial components from day one. Subsequently, it’s very important to consult with engineers in the initial design phases.
Rate of Heating Analysis of Data Centers During Power Shutdown
(PDF, 514 KB)
ASHRAE Transactions - Jan 28, 2011
This ASHRAE transaction paper is a follow-up analysis of the previous work, Thermal Mass Availability for Cooling Data Centers during Power Shutdown. With the help of a mathematical model this paper describes that the rate of heating of a data center during the power outage situation starts at a certain maximum level, and then, gradually reduces to a certain minimum level. It introduces a few indices that can help in evaluating vulnerability of a data center for rapid heating during the power outage and the extent of protection that rack thermal mass can provide in controlling this rate.
ASHRAE Transactions - Jan 28, 2011
This ASHRAE transaction paper is a follow-up analysis of the previous work, Thermal Mass Availability for Cooling Data Centers during Power Shutdown. With the help of a mathematical model this paper describes that the rate of heating of a data center during the power outage situation starts at a certain maximum level, and then, gradually reduces to a certain minimum level. It introduces a few indices that can help in evaluating vulnerability of a data center for rapid heating during the power outage and the extent of protection that rack thermal mass can provide in controlling this rate.
What I Learned on my Trip to Denmark
(PDF, 864 KB)
District Energy Magazine - Jan 24, 2011
Vice President of Energy Services, Steve Tredinnick, discusses what he learned on his recent trip to Denmark, where he was asked to present on the current state of the art district energy in the U.S.
District Energy Magazine - Jan 24, 2011
Vice President of Energy Services, Steve Tredinnick, discusses what he learned on his recent trip to Denmark, where he was asked to present on the current state of the art district energy in the U.S.
Powering Data Centers
Power Engineering - Jan 18, 2011
Power Engineering - Jan 18, 2011
Onsite power generation has been much discussed as a sustainable technology to reduce energy consumption. Does this technology have merit for highly efficient data centers? Actually, three technologies are normally considered: photovoltaic (PV), wind (WE) and onsite combined heat and power (CHP).
Risks of Data Center Renovations, and Guidelines to Successful Ones
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Jan 14, 2011
Renovate or build new? Answering this question is rarely easy, particularly when the facility in question is a data center. A range of considerations — from risks and costs, to power and cooling sources, to the structure's load-bearing capacity — must be analyzed and weighed.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Jan 14, 2011
Renovate or build new? Answering this question is rarely easy, particularly when the facility in question is a data center. A range of considerations — from risks and costs, to power and cooling sources, to the structure's load-bearing capacity — must be analyzed and weighed.
Cost Control Connisseur
Real Estate Bisnow - Jan 13, 2011
Real Estate Bisnow - Jan 13, 2011
Construction today is driven by energy performance, and clients have tighter budgets than in the past. However, there are creative ways to do more with less, without cutting quality, says Syska Hennessy Group managing director Mark Yakren, whom we visited in the consulting/MEP/engineering firm’s Broadway office. Remind clients the recession is short, but their space will be long-term.
Passive Performance
(PDF, 1.40 MB)
High Performing Buildings - Jan 04, 2011
High Performing Buildings - Jan 04, 2011
The EPA Region 8 Headquarters, in Denver Colorado, is a mixed use building that well-represents the EPA’s mission of securing working space that shows the feasibility of sustainable design and features. High performance strategies that were incorporated yielded benefits in terms of reduced pollution and resource conservation, enabling the building to achieve LEED® Gold certification.
Harvesting the Sun’s Rays: Photovoltaics Help Airports Reduce Costs
Airport Business - Dec 01, 2010
Airport Business - Dec 01, 2010
Energy is the second largest airport operating expense, exceeded only by personnel, according to FAA’s Airport Cooperative Research Program report, published in December 2007. For this reason, airport facility managers and owners are looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their energy expenditure. Considering solar power via Photovoltaic technology may be a viable option for airports.
From Cradle to Grave:Optimizing MEP Systems to Reduce Carbon Footprints
Sustainable Facility - Nov 03, 2010
The first step toward reducing the total carbon footprint of a data center is to attack its largest consumer: operations. Through BIM and innovative design, the MEP engineer can optimize the these systems to increase energy efficiency, decrease GHG emissions and ultimately reduce the total carbon life of a data center from cradle to grave.
Sustainable Facility - Nov 03, 2010
The first step toward reducing the total carbon footprint of a data center is to attack its largest consumer: operations. Through BIM and innovative design, the MEP engineer can optimize the these systems to increase energy efficiency, decrease GHG emissions and ultimately reduce the total carbon life of a data center from cradle to grave.
Communicating Sustainability Part II: Standardizing Green Guidelines for I
Environmental Design + Construction - Nov 01, 2010
IT and communications equipment and their systems can meet a variety of already-established sustainable criteria. Hypothetically speaking, if these systems were to meet LEED rating system criteria, they would follow the same pattern as a building’s MEP systems with similar categories, including Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources Selection, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design Process. This article examines how it can be accomplished.
Environmental Design + Construction - Nov 01, 2010
IT and communications equipment and their systems can meet a variety of already-established sustainable criteria. Hypothetically speaking, if these systems were to meet LEED rating system criteria, they would follow the same pattern as a building’s MEP systems with similar categories, including Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources Selection, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design Process. This article examines how it can be accomplished.
Staying Up to Date on Life Saftey
- Nov 01, 2010
The evolution of codes and safety systems has been constant, requiring architects, engineers, facility owners and maintenance personnel to stay current with requirement and involved in best practice implementation. These key players discuss how they're meeting this crucial challenge in healthcare project delivery. Syska's William Caretsky gives his insights.
- Nov 01, 2010
The evolution of codes and safety systems has been constant, requiring architects, engineers, facility owners and maintenance personnel to stay current with requirement and involved in best practice implementation. These key players discuss how they're meeting this crucial challenge in healthcare project delivery. Syska's William Caretsky gives his insights.
Staying Up-To-Date on Life Safety
Healthcare Building Ideas - Nov 01, 2010
Healthcare Building Ideas - Nov 01, 2010
The evolution of codes and safety systems has been constant, requiring architects, engineers, facility owners and maintenance personnel to stay current with requirement and involved in best practice implementation. These key players discuss how they're meeting this crucial challenge in healthcare project delivery. Syska's William Caretsky gives his insights.
2010 MEP Giants provide insight on the state of the engineering industry
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - Oct 18, 2010
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - Oct 18, 2010
Syska Hennessy Co-CEO, Gary Brennen and other industry leaders give insight on the state of the MEP industry.
Communicating Sustainability Part I: A Call for IT and Communications Systems
Environmental Design + Construction - Oct 14, 2010
Environmental Design + Construction - Oct 14, 2010
The building industry has taken giant leaps toward sustainability in most areas but has neglected to recognize the role information technology (IT) and communications systems play in a building’s energy expenditure.Even buildings that can’t alter their legacy IT and communications infrastructure can still take steps toward sustainability and efficiency.
Communicating Sustainability Part I:
A Call for IT and Communications Systems
Sustainable Facility - Sep 16, 2010
Today's design community already has a certification rating system in place covering everything but IT and communications design. Until every building component is considered for its efficiency, we can’t consciously say we’re giving a green building to society. From owners and technology designers to rating systems like LEED®, it’s high time for IT and communications systems to go green.
A Call for IT and Communications Systems
Sustainable Facility - Sep 16, 2010
Today's design community already has a certification rating system in place covering everything but IT and communications design. Until every building component is considered for its efficiency, we can’t consciously say we’re giving a green building to society. From owners and technology designers to rating systems like LEED®, it’s high time for IT and communications systems to go green.
Off Camera | Security assessments can help school security
American School and University - Sep 01, 2010
Weaving security into any school or university requires involvement from the security consultant prior to facility design. Thinking outside the camera will allow today’s administrators to prevent crime through environmental design by incorporating real, effective defense into every aspect of their facility, taking security to the next level: 2.0.
American School and University - Sep 01, 2010
Weaving security into any school or university requires involvement from the security consultant prior to facility design. Thinking outside the camera will allow today’s administrators to prevent crime through environmental design by incorporating real, effective defense into every aspect of their facility, taking security to the next level: 2.0.
Uptime All the Time
Buildings.com - Aug 16, 2010
Buildings.com - Aug 16, 2010
Ensure the integrity of your data center with correctly specified backup power. As facilities professionals, we know that "off" is seldom, if ever, an option. Business continuity is key, which means the only guarantee to ensure uptime all the time is correctly planned and implemented power redundancy.
Securing the Data Center and its Data
Data Center Journal - Aug 16, 2010
Data Center Journal - Aug 16, 2010
The nature of the mission critical environment and its uptime demands require holistic security design to be holistic. The two part process laid out here considers all potential impacts on the facility, allowing security to be woven into the data center's design from day one, creating a more reliable mission critical environment.
East + West
NFPA Journal - Aug 01, 2010
Designing smoke control for a pair of new AeroTrain stations at Washington Dulles International Airport meant using different approaches to achieve the same end: allowing passengers to evacuate as quickly and as safely as possible.
NFPA Journal - Aug 01, 2010
Designing smoke control for a pair of new AeroTrain stations at Washington Dulles International Airport meant using different approaches to achieve the same end: allowing passengers to evacuate as quickly and as safely as possible.
Thermal Mass Availability for Cooling Data Centers During Power Shutdown
(PDF, 375 KB)
ASHRAE Transactions - Jun 28, 2010
ASHRAE Transactions - Jun 28, 2010
With the help of a heat transfer model this paper systematically analyzes the effect of various parameters and the impact of rack thermal mass on the time that air requires to reach the thermal shutoff threshold temperature in a data center.
Air Economizers Can Work in Warm Climates
Data Center Knowledge - Jun 23, 2010
Designers have long assumed that data center projects should not use outside air economizers (a.k.a. airside economizers) in warm climates. The reasons are usually obvious – when it’s 90°F or higher outdoors for much of the year, there couldn’t possibly be any benefit in bringing in that warm outside air. However, when specifically considering data center applications, there are several reasons why this logic is faulty.
Data Center Knowledge - Jun 23, 2010
Designers have long assumed that data center projects should not use outside air economizers (a.k.a. airside economizers) in warm climates. The reasons are usually obvious – when it’s 90°F or higher outdoors for much of the year, there couldn’t possibly be any benefit in bringing in that warm outside air. However, when specifically considering data center applications, there are several reasons why this logic is faulty.
The End of Low Hanging Fruit
(PDF, 443 KB)
7x24Newslink - Jun 06, 2010
This piece discusses simple design strategies (low hanging fruit) for data centers that have a high ROI, with minimal costs and risks.
7x24Newslink - Jun 06, 2010
This piece discusses simple design strategies (low hanging fruit) for data centers that have a high ROI, with minimal costs and risks.
Engineering the Architecture: How Technology Enables Iconic Design
Healthcare Design Magazine - May 01, 2010
How technological advances can support iconic healthcare design
An unusual façade, nonrectilinear footprint, and complex floor plan-all these elements of iconic designs are challenging from an engineering perspective. Given that healthcare architecture is increasingly moving in that direction, it is important for engineers to realize that they are no longer just engineering the mechanical systems, they are engineering the architecture as well. A close collaborative creative partnership between architect and engineer-and of course, the client-will create the best possible patient experience and ensure a speedier way towards recovery.
Healthcare Design Magazine - May 01, 2010
How technological advances can support iconic healthcare design
An unusual façade, nonrectilinear footprint, and complex floor plan-all these elements of iconic designs are challenging from an engineering perspective. Given that healthcare architecture is increasingly moving in that direction, it is important for engineers to realize that they are no longer just engineering the mechanical systems, they are engineering the architecture as well. A close collaborative creative partnership between architect and engineer-and of course, the client-will create the best possible patient experience and ensure a speedier way towards recovery.
Engineers Play Major Role in the 2030 Challenge and the Drive to Net Zero
Real Estate Finance & Investment - Apr 26, 2010
As the importance of energy performance and efficiency continues to increase, today’s design and construction professionals have the challenging task of making buildings more efficient and sustainable. Not only have these high-performance goals become typical requirements for business owners and developers, but they have also become environmentally conscious initiatives, as articulated through the 2030 Challenge.
Real Estate Finance & Investment - Apr 26, 2010
As the importance of energy performance and efficiency continues to increase, today’s design and construction professionals have the challenging task of making buildings more efficient and sustainable. Not only have these high-performance goals become typical requirements for business owners and developers, but they have also become environmentally conscious initiatives, as articulated through the 2030 Challenge.
High Performance Design, Technical Quality and Client Collaboration are Key
(PDF, 712 KB)
Mann Report - Apr 25, 2010
Syska Hennessy Group’s high performance design approach, commitment to technical quality and strong client collaboration completes their formula for success in today's challenging economy.
Mann Report - Apr 25, 2010
Syska Hennessy Group’s high performance design approach, commitment to technical quality and strong client collaboration completes their formula for success in today's challenging economy.
How Soon Can You See Green From Building Green?
The Commercial Observer - Apr 20, 2010
It once would take 10 years-plus to see payoff in building "green." However, certain building design practices and technologies can speed that process up, yielding immediate payback and over time, to developers and owners of commercial and multi-purpose properties.
The Commercial Observer - Apr 20, 2010
It once would take 10 years-plus to see payoff in building "green." However, certain building design practices and technologies can speed that process up, yielding immediate payback and over time, to developers and owners of commercial and multi-purpose properties.
Magnetic Couplings: A peach new flavor for ASDs?
(PDF, 811 KB)
District Energy Magazine - Apr 05, 2010
Learn how adding an adjustable-speed drive (ASD) to a pump or fan can reduce electrical consumption or partial load in a facility.
District Energy Magazine - Apr 05, 2010
Learn how adding an adjustable-speed drive (ASD) to a pump or fan can reduce electrical consumption or partial load in a facility.
Solar panels reduce Yuma air station energy use
Marine Corps News - Apr 01, 2010
A new solar array with nearly 200 panels began generating renewable energy on top of a building here March 12, 2010, helping to reduce the air station’s energy consumption and meet goals set forth by the federal government.
Marine Corps News - Apr 01, 2010
A new solar array with nearly 200 panels began generating renewable energy on top of a building here March 12, 2010, helping to reduce the air station’s energy consumption and meet goals set forth by the federal government.
Communication Key to Successful Fire Evacuation Plan
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Apr 01, 2010
Part 2 of of Fighting Fire with Forethought: The best fire emergency plan in the world won't do much good unless people know about it. Both building occupants and facility staff should have copies of the plan, learn the plan and practice the plan.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Apr 01, 2010
Part 2 of of Fighting Fire with Forethought: The best fire emergency plan in the world won't do much good unless people know about it. Both building occupants and facility staff should have copies of the plan, learn the plan and practice the plan.
Renewable Energy Makes the Grade: Photovoltaics are Perfect Match for K-12
American School and University - Mar 29, 2010
Solar Power can reduce an educational institution's dependence on the utility grid by harvesting energy naturally, and lower pollutant emissions by decreasing demand. Using a photovoltaic (PV) system can divert about 139,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, as well as stabilize a school's energy costs.
American School and University - Mar 29, 2010
Solar Power can reduce an educational institution's dependence on the utility grid by harvesting energy naturally, and lower pollutant emissions by decreasing demand. Using a photovoltaic (PV) system can divert about 139,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, as well as stabilize a school's energy costs.
An RX for Daylighting:Using Sun's Natural Rays to Enhance Patient Comfort
(PDF, 1.21 MB)
Medical Construction & Design - Mar 18, 2010
Medical Construction & Design - Mar 18, 2010
Syska Hennessy's design for the University Medical Center Princeton will promote patient healing and comfort while reducing energy expenditures and operational costs when it officially opens in late 2011. Read about the innovative technologies including energy modeling and performance modeling that were used to implement daylighting and state-of-the-art MEP.
Big-Time BIM
(PDF, 198 KB)
Building Design & Construction - Mar 01, 2010
While BIM can unlock process efficiencies on any project, its benefits are most pronounced in large projects. The $339-million, 695,000 sq Maricopa County Court Tower in Phoenix is a perfect example.
Building Design & Construction - Mar 01, 2010
While BIM can unlock process efficiencies on any project, its benefits are most pronounced in large projects. The $339-million, 695,000 sq Maricopa County Court Tower in Phoenix is a perfect example.
Spinning the Broadcast Web
(PDF, 886 KB)
EC&M - Feb 25, 2010
Why a network of solid grounding points can provide a broadcast environment with better noise protection than isolated grounds.
EC&M - Feb 25, 2010
Why a network of solid grounding points can provide a broadcast environment with better noise protection than isolated grounds.
CXO Roundtable Article: What are key developmens in '09, challenges for '10
DatacenterDynamics Focus Magazine - Feb 25, 2010
Cyrus Izzo discusses what were key developments in 2009;what will be the challenges for 2010?; how will the industry accomodate change over the next 12 months?
DatacenterDynamics Focus Magazine - Feb 25, 2010
Cyrus Izzo discusses what were key developments in 2009;what will be the challenges for 2010?; how will the industry accomodate change over the next 12 months?
Mass Notification Requires Planning and Robust Systems
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Feb 05, 2010
In the last decade, a series of shootings on college campuses has forced facility managers to rethink the way that they respond to emergencies. Wide room for debate exists when it comes to speculating about why such incidents are increasing. But what has become apparent is the pressing need to inform large numbers of people about an emergency in a facility or on campus.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Feb 05, 2010
In the last decade, a series of shootings on college campuses has forced facility managers to rethink the way that they respond to emergencies. Wide room for debate exists when it comes to speculating about why such incidents are increasing. But what has become apparent is the pressing need to inform large numbers of people about an emergency in a facility or on campus.
Wireless Building Controls- Part 1: Security and Reliability of Wireless BA
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Feb 01, 2010
As the popularity of PDAs and iPhones continues to soar, people are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips wirelessly. Couple that with the growing number of homes equipped with wireless controls for everything from window blinds to surround sound, and people start expecting that level of wireless control everywhere. Top executives are starting to ask, if I can have it at home, why can't I have wireless control in my facility? Dawn MacFadyen answers their questions.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Feb 01, 2010
As the popularity of PDAs and iPhones continues to soar, people are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips wirelessly. Couple that with the growing number of homes equipped with wireless controls for everything from window blinds to surround sound, and people start expecting that level of wireless control everywhere. Top executives are starting to ask, if I can have it at home, why can't I have wireless control in my facility? Dawn MacFadyen answers their questions.
Maintaining Plate Heat Exchangers: No need for an idiot light here.
(PDF, 1.23 MB)
District Energy Magazine - Jan 15, 2010
Most people don't have a spare heat exchanger - or spare car - sitting around, so you must have a back-up plan. Periodic leaning does the system good and keeps system efficiency and controllability up. Key strategies for upkeep are reviewed.
District Energy Magazine - Jan 15, 2010
Most people don't have a spare heat exchanger - or spare car - sitting around, so you must have a back-up plan. Periodic leaning does the system good and keeps system efficiency and controllability up. Key strategies for upkeep are reviewed.
BAS: Brainy Buildings
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Jan 01, 2010
Advances in a range of building IT systems can help building owners get the full value out of intelligent buildings, thus improving performance for the building while lowering energy use, costs and harmful emissions. Lates systems for Power Monitoring Equipment and Subsystems, Critical Facilities, Multimedia Audio Visual, Access Controls, Security, Lighting, and Fire Protection are reviewed.
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Jan 01, 2010
Advances in a range of building IT systems can help building owners get the full value out of intelligent buildings, thus improving performance for the building while lowering energy use, costs and harmful emissions. Lates systems for Power Monitoring Equipment and Subsystems, Critical Facilities, Multimedia Audio Visual, Access Controls, Security, Lighting, and Fire Protection are reviewed.