Net-zero energy buildings expert roundtable V

January 2012

By Bruce Haxton, LEED AP and Derrick Teal

The fifth Net-Zero Energy (NZE) Roundtable focused its discussion on schools. The teams on these recently-built, or still-in-design or in-construction, schools wanted to share their experiences in order to help other professionals improve the energy performance on their future projects.

The roundtable was broken down into two groups: the first group of schools is functioning (or will in the near future) as NZE schools now; the second group is designed to be NZE, but is still waiting to install the final, cost-prohibited items (such as solar collectors) to complete the process.

NZE Consultants

Peter Rumsey, principal/practicing engineer, Integral Group.
prumsey@integralgroup.com

NZE consultants focus on designing a low energy building first so that photovoltaic systems are smaller and more affordable. Photovoltaic systems are then typically used to provide renewable energy to the building. Surprisingly, some school districts have been able to outright pay for these systems stating that it’s easier to get construction dollars rather than operation dollars. Other districts, however, prefer to go with a power purchase agreement (PPA) in which a lease-type of arrangement is made where third-party providers of PV systems can claim the tax credits and the district doesn’t have to pay for the PV system.

Click here to open the full article as a pdf.

Click here to read the article on the ed+c website.

After 13 years of collaboration, Integral Group and Integrated Design Associates  (IDeAs) have joined forces.  Since 1998, Integral Group and IDeAs have collaborated on over 50 of the nation’s greenest, award-winning projects. Our combined portfolio includes:

• 18 LEED Platinum Certified
• 15 LEED Gold Certified
• 25 Net Zero
• 7 Living Building Challenge Projects

With the addition of the IDeAs electrical team, Integral Group West Coast now offers a fully integrated MEP suite of services.

IDeAs is a leader in advancing sustainable electrical design concepts in building design; through research concepts and advanced technologies, they provide state of the art, highly efficient and environmentally sound solutions. Their involvement with key manufacturers, California Energy Commission, Pacific Energy Center, and the US Green Building Council Committees provides another layer of technical design expertise to our team, allowing our clients to stay on top of the latest developments in this rapidly evolving industry.
Please join us in welcoming David Kaneda, who will serve as Principal-in-Charge of Integral Group West Coast’s electrical team.  David will manage our San Jose office, which is the first “Z squared” (net zero energy consumption, zero carbon emission) commercial building in the U.S.

Welcome David Kaneda to the Integral team:

Email: dkaneda@integralgroup.com

Office: (408) 448-6300 x101

Select Teaming Experience:

• 35 John Dietsch Square / Net Zero Energy, North Attleboro, MA
• Arcata Community Recycling Center / LEED Silver Certified, Arcata, CA
• Aquarium of the Pacific Watershed Classroom, Net Zero Energy / LEED Platinum Certified, Long Beach, CA
• Bay School, San Francisco, CA
• California Polytechnic Institute / Center for Science & Mathematics / Targeting LEED Gold Certification, San Luis Obispo, CA
• California Shakespeare Theatre, Orinda, CA
• Caltech Linde + Robinson Lab for Global Environmental Science / Targeting LEED Platinum Certification, Pasadena, CA
• Campbell Union High School District, Westmont High School – Science Education Facility / Net Zero Electric Energy, CHPS Designed, Campbell, CA
• Campbell Union High School District, Del Mar High School – Science Education Facility / Net Zero Electric Energy, CHPS Designed, Campbell, CA
• David Brower Center / LEED Platinum Certified, Berkeley, CA
• Holland Yates Residence / LEED Platinum Certification, Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, Green Point Rating, Portola Valley, CA
• IDeAs Z Squared Building / Targeting LEED Gold Certification, Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, San Jose, CA
• J Craig Venter Institute / Targeting LEED Platinum Certification, Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, La Jolla, CA
• Kaneda Residence / Targeting LEED Platinum Certification, Net Zero Energy, Cupertino, CA
• Nueva School / LEED Gold Certified, Hillsborough, CA
• Packard Foundation Headquarters / Targeting LEED Platinum Certification, Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, Los Altos, CA
• Portola Valley Town Center / LEED Platinum Certified, Portola Valley, CA
• StopWaste.org Headquarters / LEED Platinum Certified, Oakland, CA
• University of California, Davis, Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences / LEED Platinum Certified, Incline Village, NV
• Watsonville Water Recycling Facility / Targeting LEED Platinum Certification, Watsonville, CA

Why do we tolerate a controls industry characterized by mediocre software and unreliable sensors?

September 2011

By Peter Rumsey

Imagine buying a new high-end car that doesn’t work. You have it inspected by an specialist to diagnose problems that take weeks to fix. Finally you take possession of your car after most, but not all, problems have been repaired and you are told you need a service contract. You wonder why you bothered buying new. Car buyers wouldn’t put up with this, yet the building sector tolerates a similar situation with commissioning controls systems. Owners shouldn’t have to commission new buildings. The controls industry business model includes selling inadequate software and sensors that don’t work effectively as installed. This industry needs a makeover.

Click here to open the article as a pdf.

Click here to read Peter Rumsey’s article in the September 2011 issue of GreenSource magazine on the GreenSource website.

Integral Group was a key part of the design team that made the Arlington Free clinic the first LEED Gold clinic in the nation as well as the first LEED Gold healthcare facility in Arlington County. Integral, along with Perkins + Will, combined sustainable design concepts such as:

• A reduction of water usage by 30 percent
• A reduction of energy usage by 40 percent, thanks to an efficient HVAC system, all while providing better indoor air quality.
• The recycling of materials with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the job site.
• The use of regionally manufactured products (47 percent) and furniture (100 percent)

“The results of the clinic’s transformation affirm the concept of evidence based design, as supported through research. In a post occupancy survey of staff, 100 percent agreed that the new space is light-filled and uplifting; 70 percent thought that more community activities and education will occur as a result of the new conference space; and 72 percent agreed that the new space “inspires health.”

http://www.interiorsandsources.com/
http://www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org/

Responsible for the development and growth of Integral’s office in Los Angeles, including but not limited to participating in successful business development efforts, implementation of projects, and effective staffing and operation of the Los Angeles office.  Demonstrate a commitment to the standards, professional leadership and work ethics, objectives, philosophy and core green building values of Integral.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide engineering expertise and consulting services to Integral clients including private sector companies, institutions and Architects.
• Act as the Project Principal, Senior Mechanical Engineer or Project Manager as applicable on selected projects.
• Assist in developing new business for Integral’s market sectors with a primary focus on Science and Technology.  Assist in identifying and developing new clients, establishing project scope and fees, and the implementation of Integral’s overall marketing and growth plans.
• Utilize expertise and knowledge and participate in Integral’s marketing effort through client interviews and presentations.
• Provide project design expertise, including participation in concept development, design documentation and design reviews.
• Provide input and assist with development of design and sustainable standards.
• Provide QA/QC and progress reviews for key Integral projects.
• Assist in personnel matters including recruiting, staff development, staff mentoring and staff performance appraisals.
• Direct projects and project teams to maintain quality control, monitor performance and ensure client and firm objectives are being met.
• Conduct presentations for conference groups and author expert papers on relevant topics in areas of personal expertise.
• Expectations of time allocation is based on 60% billable to projects, 20% on marketing and client development, 10% on sustainable and engineering standards development and 10% on administrative duties.

QUALIFICATIONS;

• Education:             
  • Bachelor degree (B.A. / B.S.) or equivalent in an engineering discipline (electrical, mechanical, civil) or in project management, facilities management, or related disciplines
  • Masters degree in Business Administration or Engineering Management preferred
• Experience:                      
  • Minimum of 15 years experience in a consulting engineering environment.
  • Managerial experience is essential to position
  • Experience with AutoCad, MS Project, Excel, MS Word and other related software
  • Proven experience displaying excellent communication and decision-making skills
  • Must possess and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as good organizational skills
  • Experience designing green building systems and working with energy efficient technologies

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Certification/Licensure: 

• Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure
• LEED AP preferred

To apply please download and complete our application and send with resume and cover letter to Maria Briggs: mbriggs@integralgroup.com. No phone calls please.

Pioneering a new standard for sustainability, Cobalt and Integral Group have joined forces to redefine the building services industry. By bringing together our teams, we offer an unparalleled depth of knowledge, experience and skills in sustainable design with an international presence.

Cobalt is an award-winning firm that has designed 5 net-zero buildings, 2 living building challenge projects, and has 52 projects either targeting or achieved LEED. Among their notable project firsts are the first neighborhood in British Columbia to target LEED Platinum, Canada’s first LEED CS Platinum office building and the first LEED Certified aquarium facility in the world. With the addition of Cobalt, Integral is now a 250-person firm and is the largest green MEP firm on the West Coast. Moreover, it is the only firm of it’s size that specializes exclusively in energy efficient and sustainable design.

Together, we strive to be the world’s leading deep green practice. We share a passion for delivering creative design solutions that minimize environmental impact while enhancing human well being.

Collectively championing the use of the most innovative and sustainable systems, we will continue to give life to high performance buildings and communities that both respect and enrich the Earth.

By bridging the journey from imagination to performance, we will accelerate the shift towards environmentally responsive design. Together, Cobalt and Integral Group are creating a new realm of possibility by combining our diversified leadership and common visionary approach to green building.

Click to read NPR’s articles on the project:

“Boy Scouts Find New Home Amid Mountains”

“Boy Scouts Look Forward to New Site”

Click to read NPR’s articles on the project:

“Boy Scouts Find New Home Amid Mountains”

“Boy Scouts Look Forward to New Site”

As part of our ongoing support and commitment to the Green Building movement, Integral Leaders will once again be at the USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference and involved in a variety of capacities. As past Chair of the USGBC and WorldGBC and Founder of the  Canadian GBC, Kevin Hydes  says, “In these times of uncertainty it is more important than ever for the Green Building Movement to pull together and share our collective knowledge and experience for the benefit of the global community.”

• Meet Kevin Hydes at the Canada Green Building Council, Canada House Pavilion Steam Whistle Brewery, Toronto  ||  Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 12:00-12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6th, 2011 2:30-3:00 p.m. http://www.cagbc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/TheCaGBC/NationalEvents/CanadaHousePavilion/default.htm
• Peter Rumsey, Integral Group (Moderator) Session BL03: “TOWARD LOW CARBON BUILDINGS AND CITIES: ENERGY BENCHMARKING AND HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING ENVELOPES”  ||  Thursday, October 6, 10:30 AM– 12:00 PM
• Kevin Hydes, Integral Group (Panelist) Session RD01: “MATERIAL REUSE PRIMER: DEMYSTIFYING THE CHALLENGES AND PROVIDING THE TOOLS”  ||   Wednesday, October 5, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
• John Andary, Integral Group will be in attendance to share his insights to small groups on the lessons learned on the  NREL ZEB Project.
• Integral Group will be helping to convene meetings between international groups at the event including the Singapore/Canada meeting.

There will also be a meeting of current and future memebers of the team and affiliates. If you need more information or want to meet us at Green Build contact please contact email info@integralgroup.com  or call 510/663-2070 x217.

Click here for Greenbuild Conference Schedule.

Future Facilities Opens Registration for Data Center Design and Management Conference Featuring Presentations by Facebook and Intel

Three-day conference will include case studies from leading data center operators and designers on data center best practices that ensure maximum efficiency and enable increased IT load

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sep 27, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Future Facilities, a leading provider of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) simulation software, today announced that it has opened registration for its 2011 6SigmaDC Data Center Conference and User Group, which will take place November 15-17 at the San Francisco Marriott, Union Square.

The highly popular conference will feature an extensive agenda of data center case studies and best practices from some of today’s most technically advanced companies, including Facebook, Intel, DLB Associates, Integral Group and others.

Throughout the conference, attendees will learn about emerging standards and practices that are designed to bridge the long-standing divide between IT and facilities that is found within the organization and between suppliers and end-users. This bridge is critical to operating the data center as a well integrated system and unlocking the full IT loading capacity of the data center throughout its lifespan.

Some of the speakers and topics include:

– Chuck Rego, Chief Architect at Intel Corp. Mr. Rego will discuss a data center management methodology based on the integration of server-level monitoring and the 6SigmaDC Virtual Facility.

– Veerendra Mulay, Thermal Engineer at Facebook. Mr. Mulay will discuss the Open Compute standard for data center and server design, and its significance for the data center industry.

– Peter Rumsey, Managing Director & Principal of Integral Group (formerly of Rumsey Engineers). Mr. Rumsey will discuss the benefits of the Open Compute reference design and the growing importance of chip to facility design integration. A liquid cooling design that has been implemented at National Renewable Energy Labs will be featured as a case study.

– DLB Associates will discuss the benefits of Cooling Path Management to the application of the new ASHRAE server inlet temperature recommendations as an alternative to industry ‘best practices,’ in order to improve the efficiency and resilience of data center operations.

– Guy Ruddock, VP Operations for Data Center Services at Colt. Mr. Ruddock will discuss the Modular Data Center concept and implementation, and its optimization through use of the 6SigmaDC Virtual Facility methodology.

Conference attendees will learn how enterprises are deploying a range of modeling systems, such as Future Facilities’ entry-level Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 6SigmaRoomLite, to ensure the thermal integrity of their data centers and enable more collaboration between IT, facilities and other data center stakeholders.

“This year’s conference will be packed with information useful to operators of data centers of any size,” said Sherman Ikemoto, General Manager, Future Facilities. “We are delighted to have the opportunity for conference attendees to gain valuable insight from Facebook, Intel and many others on how to create a data center that allows for maximum IT capacity and efficiency.”

To register for the event, please visit http://www.futurefacilities.com/media/events/6SigmaDCuserconf11/6SigmaDCuserconf11.php

About Future Facilities

Future Facilities is a leading provider of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) simulation software for the design, optimization and management of mission-critical facilities and data centers. A leader in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, Future Facilities offers a suite of integrated software products that tackles the challenges of data center lifecycle engineering to ensure that capacity, efficiency and reliability criteria are met throughout all phases of the facility lifecycle.

Additional information can be found at http://www.futurefacilities.com .