Facilities operations and maintenance encompasses all that broad spectrum of services required to assure the built environment will perform the functions for which a facility was designed and constructed. Operations and maintenance typically includes the day-to-day activities necessary for the building and its systems and equipment to perform their intended function. Operations and maintenance are […]
The Paris Agreement global climate treaty aims to limit global warming to below 2°C. The U.S. plays a crucial role by implementing policies to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and support global climate finance.
Passive design refers to architectural strategies that optimize a building’s natural environment to reduce energy consumption. By leveraging principles such as insulation, natural ventilation, and solar orientation, passive design minimizes reliance on mechanical heating, cooling, and lighting systems.
Peak demand represents the highest level of electrical power consumption within a specific time period, often coinciding with extreme weather conditions. Managing peak demand is crucial to maintaining grid reliability and avoiding blackouts.
Photovoltaic (PV)/Solar Energy systems convert sunlight directly into electricity. Widely adopted across the U.S., these systems benefit from federal tax credits and state-level incentives, making them a cornerstone of the clean energy transition.
Physical Needs Assessment is a form of Property Condition Report that is required by Fannie Mae and its DUS Lenders. The Physical Needs Assessment is required for Fannie Mae financing on many types of residential properties, including apartment communities, assisted living facilities, student housing, and manufactured housing communities. The Physical Needs Assessment is similar to […]
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a legal contract between an electricity generator (provider) and a power purchaser (buyer, typically a utility or large power buyer/trader). A PPA is the principal agreement that defines the revenue and credit quality of a generating project and is thus a key instrument of project finance.
To use the PE seal, engineers must complete several steps to ensure their competency. Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program; Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE; Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Quality Assurance is the oversight of construction, contracting, and commissioning or verification plans of a project.
Recommissioning is another type of commissioning that occurs when a building that has already been commissioned undergoes another commissioning process. The decision to recommission may be triggered by a change in building use or ownership, the onset of operational problems, or some other need. Ideally, a plan for recommissioning is established as part of a […]