Optimizing Your Build: How MEP Specialists Deliver Efficiency & Cost Savings
The backbone of any functional commercial building lies in its MEP systems – the intricate network of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing structures that ensure a comfortable, efficient, and safe environment.
As an Owner, how do you ensure you are making an informed decision on the type of MEP systems your space needs? By using a construction partner with an in-house MEP Systems Specialist!
An MEP Systems Specialist, such as Russell’s own Tim Smith, can assess your specific needs – considering factors like building size, occupancy levels, heat gain/loss, and budget – and recommend the most suitable systems for your project.
Tim’s expertise in installation requirements, maintenance, and future scalability ensures you select an HVAC system that provides optimal comfort and aligns with your building’s long-term operational goals.
Read on to discover how Russell’s MEP Systems Specialists added lasting value to these featured projects.
Bettendorf High School
Before work could begin the team, including Russell, Legat Architects, and RTM Engineering, had to first determine the best system design based on performance, energy efficiency, and overall life cycle cost studies to be utilized for the high school. After work began, a joint commissioning effort was performed to ensure all code requirements were met and the system would function to its optimal efficiency.
After bid award, the project was slightly over the proposed budget. However, through a collaborative value engineering process with the project team, over $244,000 in cost savings were identified to keep the project budget in-tact.
During the project’s preconstruction / design phase and throughout construction, Russell’s in-house professionals helped:
- Coordinate the design with Legat / RTM and provide updated and accurate budgets utilizing current market trends.
- Generate bid documents and public bid notices.
- Manage the project schedule, contracts, budget, and ensure proper documentation.
- Facilitated Owner / project meetings.
- Ensure proper removal and installation of all MEP systems.
- Facilitated conversations directly with onsite trade partners to work through Request for Information (RFI’s) and design changes to expedite solutions.
- Coordination of testing of the systems to ensure the controls operated as intended.
- Final building commissioning.
Not Without Its Challenges
Renovating a 1970’s era MEP system provided its own unique set of challenges, including inaccurate (and incomplete) as-built drawings for the existing systems in the high school. Russell’s partnership with Legat and RTM utilized early-surveying of the existing equipment and conditions to confirm the items that were changed over the years were accurately shown and documented in the plans. This saved a significant amount of design time and enhanced the ability for early planning for work sequencing.
Additionally, the entire project had to be completed by the start of the 2018-2019 school year. With work beginning at the start of summer break in 2018, the team had no time to waste with only four months to complete the work! A detailed sequencing schedule was developed, in conjunction with the Bettendorf CSD, to identify and complete work in areas that would not affect school operations.
Construction work began on April 30th, 2018, in select areas, and substantial completion of the project was completed by August 15th, 2018, with final boiler finishes completed by October 2nd, 2018. This equates to just under $7,000,000 worth of work executed in four months, including:
- 17 air handling units
- 196 VAV boxes
- 176 fire smoke dampers
- New control system
- New domestic water heaters
- 30 circulation pumps
- 200 new LED light fixtures
- New ductwork in all seven mechanical rooms
- 18,000 square feet of acoustical ceiling replacement
- 2,000 square feet of drywall ceiling replacement
The key to the success of this project was in the communication and coordination of all stakeholders, including Russell, the design team, and Bettendorf CSD. Daily communication with the architect, and regular facilitated conversations with on-site trade partners were instrumental in working through challenges and ensuring this project was completed on-time and on-budget.
Moline-Coal Valley School District
To create optimal learning environments for its students and staff, Moline-Coal Valley School District (CSD) knew it needed to make significant improvements to its exiting HVAC systems in several buildings across the district. Beginning in 2021, using federal CARES Act funding, Moline CSD was able to begin work on renovating and replacing systems at seven buildings within the district.
Solving Complex Challenges
Russell was brought on board during the preconstruction / design phase to work in conjunction with Shive-Hattery to deliver these complex elementary school projects. Having completed over $145 MM in previous work with Moline CSD, Russell’s team was equipped to solve the complex challenges presented by this project. Working within tight-summer deadlines to complete large phases of these projects, Russell’s team:
- Facilitated critical conversations directly with performing on-site trade partners to work through RFI’s and design changes to expedite solutions.
- Maintained the project schedule, while working through equipment shipping delays and unknown existing conditions that had to be brought up to code in several buildings.
- Through a detailed vetting process, Russell’s team was able to credit the owner back $240,000 in savings before the project even started! Plus, an additional $380,000 in unused contingency at the end of the project.
- Worked in collaboration with the school district to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and maintain the project schedule and budget.
Ascentra Credit Union
Ascentra Credit Union had high expectations for their new home office, including providing an energy efficient / sustainable facility for their members and employees. During the preconstruction / design phase of the new 40,200 s.f. office and credit union, Russell collaborated with the Owner and architect to choose the most efficient system by utilizing the Wilden Group (formerly known as the Weidt Group)– a free service provided by Mid-American Energy.
The Wilden (Weidt) Group, Shive Hattery, and Russell guided Ascentra through the process of identifying energy design assistance and financial incentives to make implementing energy-efficient strategies more affordable.
Through collaborative design meetings three possible HVAC systems, including alternate envelope, lighting, and mechanical material systems, were identified in a detailed 20+ page report.
Each system was thoroughly vetted and underwent a verification phase, including providing tangible data on energy savings, which assisted stakeholders in realizing the project’s energy conversation goals and increased the likelihood that the incentive proposed during the design phase was achieved upon project completion. Russell provided detailed cost estimates on each proposed energy solution to Ascentra to aid in their decision-making process.
Savings in Action!
The Wilden (Weidt) Group worked with Russell to establish a hybrid rebate program utilizing both a prescriptive and Commercial New Construction (CNC) rebate program. This allowed Ascentra to benefit from each program, including higher rebates for electrical fixtures. This hybrid program has subsequently been replaced by the new CNC program.
After comprehensive reviews of each HVAC system’s cost, payback, life cycle, rebate qualification, and most importantly what would serve the client best – a DX rooftop unit with hot water reheat was selected by Ascentra.
Based on calculations, provided by Wilden, the DX rooftop system selected would ultimately save Ascentra $12,105 per year over the original HVAV system with electric reheat, (a 33% savings), and provide Ascentra with an estimated $8,400 in energy rebates.
Let's Build Something Together.
The recipe for a seamless and successful commercial construction project includes hiring the right partner from day-one. An MEP Systems Specialist’s deep understanding of complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems optimizes design integration and streamlines installation, ultimately guaranteeing a cost-effective and energy-efficient building that meets your specific needs.
Tim Smith
MEP Systems Specialist
Contact Tim and the MEP Focus Group at MEPFocusGroup@russellco.com to learn more about the MEP services Russell can bring to your project.