Gannett Fleming conducted commissioning services for a 26,000-square-foot school LEED-registered construction project, to enable the facility to begin its life cycle with systems performing at optimal efficiency. We reviewed design documentation and discovered deficiencies in both the design intent documentation and the design approach to HVAC and plumbing systems. A commissioning plan and procedures were developed for acceptance testing of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems at the school. Program implementation also stressed proper training of the school staff to make certain the installed systems operated properly to achieve their design intent.

Our firm contributed to developing a new enhanced design intent document and a new improved design for the MEP systems. The services were in accordance with the USGBC LEED rating system under the Energy and Atmosphere heading. The commissioning included specific training of the personnel involved in the O&M of the building’s equipment and facilities. The process extended through the phases of the project, from the design phase to occupancy and operation and verifying that building systems performed interactively according to the design intent and the owner’s operational needs.

Londonderry School District exterior photo of building.

Windows allow natural lighting of classrooms.

 

Production Incentive Auctions to Support Large-Scale Projects in California and Pennsylvania

This case summarizes California's production incentive program and the difficulties it has faced, and then focuses on how Pennsylvania has attempted to innovate on California's approach to bring new wind capacity on line quickly and prior to the then-expected expiration of the federal production tax credit (PTC) for wind power at the end of 2001.

 

 

Use of Low-Interest, Subordinated Debt to Finance a Wind Project in Pennsylvania

The innovative offering of low-cost debt described in this case marks a significant departure from standard grant-based project support.

 

 

Utility Grid-Direct Photovoltaic System: Exelon-Conergy Renewable Energy Center

The Exelon project is an example of how state government, public utilities and private investors are supporting the large scale development of clean energy in the United States, in a manner that has been very successful in Europe.