Engineering
Facility Evaluation
The total cost of operating a facility includes recurring costs for energy, maintenance and replacement. Fortunately, these costs can be minimized by proactive programs of energy conservation and building maintenance. As a starting point the facility needs to be evaluated to find targets of opportunity for savings. Depending upon the needs of the facility an Energy Audit, MEP Audit, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Audit, Envelope Audit, and Maintenance Audit.
Energy Audit
Energy conservation measures (ECM) will be identified, and implementation costs and savings estimated. No-cost and low-cost ECMs can be used to immediately lower operating costs, or can be used to pay for more expensive measures with greater long-term savings potential.
MEP Audit
Equipment will be evaluated for correct operation and controls will be tested to determine actual control sequences. If needed specific studies can be performed:
- Ventilation rates can be optimized to assure good indoor air quality while minimizing the energy impact and cost of ventilation
- Water flow to determine if heated and chilled water flows are adequate to meet facility needs
- Electrical load analysis to determine if the existing electrical distribution system is properly balanced and if it has capacity for anticipated load increases occasioned by facility upgrades
- Air Flow analysis to determine if designed air flow rates are being provided and if pressure differentials are in place as needed for infection control or isolation of odors
Heat Gain calculations may be needed for either heating or cooling analyses. In a Heat Gain Calculation for Heating Requirements, MZA performs sizing of heating elements and determines heat capacity (BTUs) needed or each HVAC zone throughout a building complex or campus. The Heat Gain Calculation Analysis for Cooling Requirements is based on an increased ventilation rate of 15 CFM for the entire facility or campus.- The Domestic Hot Water Study determines size and location of electric hot water heaters and piping needed to meet facility needs.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Audit
It is a given that ventilation will be provided to assure good indoor air quality for facility occupants. Excessive ventilation can lead to problems such as mold growth, improper air flow can result in stagnant air, and ventilation after occupancy wastes energy. Ventilation rates based on measurements of indoor air quality allow the ventilation to be balanced to the actual requirements of the facility. This results in reduced energy consumption and operating costs while improving indoor air quality.
Envelope Audit
The building envelope consists of many components and systems that require maintenance. Maintenance costs money, but these costs can be minimized with good planning. Timely maintenance can drastically reduce costs by extending the life of systems thus reducing replacement costs. For example, roof membranes routinely last for 30 to 40 years but are frequently replaced in 10 years due to improper maintenance. Sealants have a life that varies with solar exposure and will require less maintenance on the north side of a building than on the south side.
Maintenance Audit
Mechanical electrical and plumbing equipment consume the building’s energy. Effective operation and maintenance not only reduces equipment costs, but also reduces operating costs by saving energy. This starts with an evaluation of each piece of operating equipment to determine its current operational status, repair and maintenance needs. This then becomes the basis for an asset management program. After information is gathered by the needed audits a program can be developed that optimizes the costs to arrive at the lowest possible cost of operation for a facility.
Damage Assessment
MZA provides consulting services to clients affected by moisture intrusion caused by storm damage. Disaster recovery services include on-site assessment and remediation monitoring following catastrophic events such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and building failures resulting from terrorist attacks. MZA's team of certified environmental professionals specializes in damage assessment and proper remediation techniques. MZA was on the scene in New York City following the 9/11/2001 WTC collapses; in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina; and, in South Florida during Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma.
Specialty Architecture and Design Services
MZA also provides specialty Architecture and Design Services, including the following:
- Construction failure and design correction
- Roofing and building envelope – construction failure analysis and design
- Architectural plan review
- Structural load analysis for equipment location on roof
MZA serves on the Guidelines for Total Building Commissioning Committee jointly sponsored by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
MZA's team is comprised of associates with multi-disciplinary skills, including the following certifications:
- Licensed Architect (AIA)
- Professional Engineers (PE)
- LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Level 1 Thermographer
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC)
