Case in Point

Combining Equipment Startup with System Commissioning

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:14:44 -0400

Combine equipment startup and system commissioning into a single, streamlined process to improve quality control and efficiency.

Japan Charts New Course for Global Energy Leadership

Wed, 06 May 2026 09:09:43 -0400

As Japan aggressively pursues carbon neutrality and reimagines its energy mix, the world watches to see if these bold steps can serve as a template for sustainable growth.

NYC’s Window to Energy Efficiency: Decoding the City’s Building Ratings

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:51:49 -0400

A firsthand look at New York City’s visible building energy ratings and what those letter grades really mean for owners, visitors, and the city’s sustainability efforts.

Shifting State Energy Policies Change the Math

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:26:25 -0400

States across the country are adopting new standards to address energy usage, efficiency, and the future of fossil fuels.

Hybrid Cooling: How Combining Free and Active Cooling Optimizes Energy Efficiency in Industrial Enclosures

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:08:04 -0500

Hybrid cooling systems combine the best of passive and active technologies to maximize energy efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

When the Fine Print Isn’t Enough: Trust, Payment and Risk in Engineering Contracts

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:47:54 -0500

A consulting engineer shares hard-earned lessons on why trust and partnerships can matter more than contractual details in the architecture and engineering business.

Keeping HVAC Systems Running Clean: The Importance of Proper Filter Maintenance

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:37:08 -0500

Regular and data-driven filter changes are essential to safeguard indoor air quality, minimize equipment wear, and respond to real-world conditions like pollen surges.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Hospital Energy Needs

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:51:17 -0500

Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers hospitals a reliable, sustainable, and scalable solution for uninterrupted power in critical healthcare settings.

Promoting Building Longevity and Cost Optimization Through Retro-commissioning

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:47:04 -0500

A case study from RMF Engineering on the Rockville District Courthouse highlights how targeted retro-commissioning can slash utility costs and maximize building performance.

Unstable Transitions in HVAC: Chiller Rotation Part II

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:43:41 -0500

HVAC systems experience their most challenging moments during operational transitions – when systems first enable, modes shift, or equipment rotates or stages to meet demand. These brief windows often reveal instability that routine operation may hide.

Establishing Quality Startup Processes for Central HVAC Systems

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:01:54 -0500

A guide to building a structured, quality-driven approach for equipment and system startup in central HVAC projects, ensuring efficiency from design through commissioning.

The Future of HVACR: AI, Data, and the Power of Continuous Improvements

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:40:19 -0500

ES NEWS' Guest columnist Juwanna Anderson of Rheem explains why success in HVACR now means embracing “a fundamental commitment to continuous improvement.”

Building Automation Graphics: How Symbol Standards Improve Quality and Reduce Rework

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:34:00 -0400

Consistent graphics streamline commissioning and troubleshooting, making it easier for teams to verify systems and reduce mistake, writes ES NEWS guest columnist Dan McCarty, owner of QA Graphics.

HVAC Project Closeout Punch List Process: Standardize and Educate

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:56:25 -0400

Clear communication and consistent documentation are the backbone of a smooth HVAC project turnover.

Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency: The Role of Heat Pumps and Boilers in a Changing Industry

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:42:01 -0400

Modern heating systems are orchestrating a quiet revolution in homes across the world, blending the reliable warmth of boilers with the eco-conscious efficiency of heat pumps.

From Heat Pumps to Forest Guards: How One HVAC Company is Cooling the Planet

danv@seekcg.com (Dan Vastyan) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:53:01 -0400

A Nova Scotia HVAC company's journey from installing heat pumps to purchasing forests and electric vehicles shows how small businesses can lead the charge in fighting climate change—one degree at a time.

Troubleshooting HVAC Checklist

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:20:44 -0500

While hindsight is 20/20, time-tested quality control tells individuals not to jump to the solution even if you think you have the answer, writes ES NEWS columnist Howard McKew.

The Status of Fossil Fuel Reserves is a Cause for Concern

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:07:57 -0500

Guest columnist Dan Reider asks: can the U.S. and many other countries around the world not be concerned about our dwindling oil reserves?

How to Monitor IAQ for Health

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:28:10 -0500

We must monitor indoor metrics broadly and continuously, writes ES NEWS Columnist Stephanie Taylor, M.D., M. Arch, CIC.

Jacksonville Jaguars Practice Facility Generates Immense Hot Water Supply

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:33:24 -0500

“The installation went extremely well, and the units have been working without fail through the first year of the facility being in use,” said Project Manager Parker Touchton.

Radiant Heating System Meets Challenge of Complex School Design

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:52:05 -0400

The radiant system allows for lower water temperatures, around 130°F, compared to the 180°F required by traditional hydronic systems.

Attune Partners with 45 Colorado School Districts to Expand Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In a partnership with 45 school districts, the University of Colorado Boulder, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, and Attune has deployed the Attune indoor air quality (IAQ) systems in 369 school buildings across Colorado.

Sustainable Data Center Cooling

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In many data centers, water-cooled chillers are paired with an open- or closed-circuit cooling tower for heat rejection. Other options include dry coolers, hybrid fluid coolers, and adiabatic fluid coolers.

Interamericana University of Puerto Rico improves classroom IAQ

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Recent studies show that Improved air quality in classrooms has demonstrated an increase in test scores by 14%, increase attendance by 11% (classrooms with better air quality yield fewer sick days), and a 20% increase in attention span longevity.

Steam serves multiple purposes at Colorado’s newest health care facility

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

New to the east side of Colorado Springs is UCHealth’s Eastview Medical Center, with three stories and 125,000 square feet of health care space. The third floor is where things get more interesting. This area is occupied by six operating rooms, where humidity and pressure are carefully controlled.

College campus lowers carbon footprint while reducing energy costs

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Founded in 1821 with a focus on liberal arts, Amherst College has seen an 85% increase in enrolments in STEM classes during the past 15 years. Consequently, a new Science Center opened in the fall of 2018 that embraces sustainability.

Rice University’s new engineering and science building opens

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The O’Connor Building was designed by SOM with a deliberate focus on fostering collaboration in four key research areas: advanced materials, quantum science and computing, urban research and innovation, and the energy transition.

Swedish electricity supplier embraces sustainable retrofit solution

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Mälarenergi's cogeneration plant in Västerås is one of Sweden's largest and plays an important role in the sustainable development of the city, with 98% of all properties in the locality connected to the district heating network.

Telehouse America modernizes security from perimeters to servers

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Beyond their premiere 162,000-square-foot flagship data center in Staten Island, Telehouse America also offers colocation at their second New York City site in Manhattan as well as another site in Los Angeles, California.

Critical pharma facilities, cancer treatments, and COVID tests

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In 2020, Kite Pharma began constructing a new facility in Frederick, Maryland, designed to produce innovative cell therapy treatments for cancer patients.