Implementing the first geothermal system in low income housing, S&A is effectively making ground on the energy efficiency drive that the District of Columbia pursues. The mechanical system designed for the low income housing includes individual ground source heat pumps for each apartment building and uses a geothermal well to provide chilled water to heat pumps and electric re-heat provides the heating for the apartments.

In addition to our MEP design engineering services, S&A is performing fundamental commissioning study of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, lighting and envelope systems of Wheeler Terrace Apartments located in the Washington, DC. Wheeler Terrace Apartments is approximately 20,675 square feet and is three stories high and has a basement.

Fundamental commissioning investigates opportunities to improve the operating efficiency of the building. Fundamental Commissioning includes developing and documentation of the systems effectively optimizing indoor air quality, and verifying that controls systems function at peak or near peak levels.

Included in our Fundamental Commissioning services, S&A is providing thermographic analysis of the building, reviewing utility bills, building documents, optimizing chillers and boiler systems, implementing operating schedules, optimizing air delivery systems , setting up temperature resets for the water and air side temperatures operations, optimizing indoor air quality, and verifying that the controls systems are functioning and working properly. Also, S&A will witness pre-functional testing of installed equipment. Using e-Quest for energy modeling, we have provided DCHA a detailed and accurate DOE2.2 model verifying suggested cost saving strategies for the building.