October marks Energy Action Month , a time to emphasize the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in our daily lives. At Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) , we are proud to support our clients by delivering customized energy solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and promote a sustainable future.   A Legacy of Government Energy Leadership For over 3 decades, providing energy consultation to government programs and agencies has been a foundational part of SEA’s mission. We’ve partnered with the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, NASA, Space Force, Defense Health Agency , and the General Services Administration , making SEA a trusted federal energy services provider. Whether it's resilience planning for military installations or energy system upgrades for municipal buildings, SEA’s expertise ensures that all facilities are prepared for the future.   Optimizing Energy Use Via Our Resource Efficiency Manager (REM) Program  SEA’s Resource Efficiency Manager Program   (REM) is designed to provide hands-on energy consultation and management to Federal government facilities. Our REMs, who bring extensive expertise in energy systems, work directly on-site to identify energy-saving opportunities, improve building operations, and ensure compliance with current energy mandates. From military bases to federal office buildings, SEA’s REMs ensure facilities run efficiently, reduce energy consumption, and achieve significant utility cost savings.   Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability  SEA’s REMs and certified engineers have the experience and knowledge necessary to evaluate and enhance energy systems  in any type of building—whether newly constructed, modern, or historical. We develop energy master plans  that mitigate risk, improve resilience, and help buildings meet current and future energy demands. We also work with our clients to tap into environmental resilience funding , enabling them to invest in energy improvements that support both sustainability and fiscal responsibility.   Project-Based Engineering Solutions for State and Local Governments  SEA also supports State and Local governments  by offering project-specific engineering services. Our team of engineers conducts detailed facility audits , provides commissioning  for new and existing buildings, and offers building optimization consultations  to ensure public buildings operate at peak efficiency. Whether a city hall requires an HVAC upgrade, or a school system needs an energy master plan, SEA provides tailored solutions to meet the unique challenges of each facility.   Proven Experience and Trusted Results  From our work at MCLB-Albany   and Fort Hunter Liggett , to international projects at ARCENT in Kuwait  and Camp Butler in Japan , as well as key domestic initiatives at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center  and the Alabama State Capitol , SEA has consistently delivered reliable and effective energy solutions worldwide. Our extensive global experience allows us to tackle the unique energy challenges of diverse facilities, ensuring optimal performance, enhanced resilience, and improved sustainability. Through our on-site energy management  and building optimization services , we help clients improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance occupant comfort.   This Energy Action Month , SEA remains committed to helping government facilities at all levels achieve their energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability goals.

Energy Assessments and Master Planning SEA helped MedPlex Outpatient Surgical Center Reduce Energy Costs by more than $44k and energy usage by 47% The MedPlex Outpatient Surgical Center is a facility managed by United Surgical Partners International (USPI). USPI partners with prominent physicians to provide high-quality, lower-cost surgical settings. SEA was tasked with evaluating the Birmingham, AL facility and developing an energy strategy to improve the overall performance of the building operation systems with minimal disruption to surgical services. This assessment and the actions put into place resulted in improved visibility during surgical procedures, increased comfort to patients in waiting areas and recovery rooms, and overall improved temperature conditions for reduced energy consumption. This is a great example of how SEA can assess your needs and offer turn-key solutions to impact change. AT A GLANCE Medplex Surgical Center Facts 47% Reduction in energy usage $44k Reduction in Energy Costs Scope of Work SEA began by developing an initial energy baseline for pre and post-construction. The baseline will let USPI know how their building compares to similar buildings and what potential savings are available when making energy efficient improvements. Our strategy involved auditing the current energy output, making a plan for upgrades, and implementing retrofits/changes. Some examples of implemented actions are listed below: Lighting Upgraded current fluorescent/incandescent systems and installation of new controls systems Upgraded exterior HID lighting system and reduced burn time from 24 hours/day to 10-12 hours/day Removed unnecessary lighting systems Controls Installed new energy management system to provide integrated and internet accessible controls of all mechanical equipment Envelope Implemented low/no cost solution for installing acrylic panes to interior side of windows for reducing energy consumption and improving temperature conditions in lobby Insulated walls in administrative and lobby areas Results This resulted in improved visibility during surgical procedures, increased comfort to patients in waiting areas and recovery rooms, and overall improved temperature conditions for reduced energy consumption. Download Project Profile

Energy and Water Assessment SEA helped The Plaza recognize more than $350k in annual savings through recommended energy reduction installations. About the Facility The Plaza is a Class B office building completed in 1976 and features a total of 220k sq. ft. of leased office space located in downtown Birmingham, AL. The facility owners wished to reduce utility expenses and benchmark current facility energy usage utilizing a loan program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act known as Alabama Saves. The act enables businesses to secure below-market rate financing for achieving energy savings which typically provide a simple 10-year payback. It requires an ASHRAE Level I Assessment objective to primarily identify potential energy conservation measures, estimated savings and budgeted costs. While capital improvements are included, the aim of the program was focused on providing low cost solutions. AT A GLANCE The Plaza Facts $350k Cost savings annually from energy reduction 220k Square Feet of Commissioned Space Scope of Work SEA was contracted to provide an ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Assessment for The Plaza. This resulted in SEA utilizing computer energy models to actively seek energy conservation opportunities while maintaining comfort and increasing productivity for unique occupants. The maximum Return on Investments (ROI), life cycle costing and total project costs were included in the calculations. Some of the major recommendations, included: Retro-commissioning Lighting Upgrades HVAC Control Upgrades Plumbing Fixture Upgrades Variable Frequency Drives Chiller Upgrades All of this work was completed with no disruption to active courses and activities with varying occupancy throughout the day. As a result, SEA was able to recognize more than $350k in annual savings through energy reduction installations. Download Project Profile

SEA provides Resource Manager for energy assessments of 2,000 buildings, helping to reduce energy costs by 30% Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a 246 square mile United States military training facility in Jacksonville, North Carolina. SEA was contracted to provide engineering and technical support services for Camp Lejeune by providing an on-site Resource Manager (RM). The RM prioritized and evaluated 2,000 buildings on site to discover energy conservation measures that needed to be implemented. The SEA RM then assisted in seeking the appropriate funding to address the issues and was instrumental for helping Camp Lejeune meet mandated resilience requirements. Over four years, SEA was able to help Camp Lejeune reduce energy costs by 30%, winning the Secretary of the Navy Exchange Excellence Award for the work.  AT A GLANCE Camp LeJeune Facts 27M Square Feet 2k Buildings Evaluated 30% Energy Savings About the Facility Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a 246 square mile United States military training facility in Jacksonville, North Carolina. SEA was contracted to provide engineering and technical support services for Camp Lejeune by providing an on-site Resource Manager (RM). The RM prioritized and evaluated 2,000 buildings on site to discover energy conservation measures that needed to be implemented. The SEA RM then assisted in seeking the appropriate funding to address the issues and was instrumental for helping Camp Lejeune meet mandated resilience requirements. Over four years, SEA was able to help Camp Lejeune reduce energy costs by 30%, winning the Secretary of the Navy Exchange Excellence Award for the work.  Scope of Work Camp Lejeune sought a strategy to enhance energy efficiency, seek funding to support and implement an Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) and increase resilience and sustainability for mission critical operations to continue during potential threats such as inclement weather or power outage events.  As a result, SEA was contracted to provide engineering and technical support services for Camp Lejeune by providing an on-site Resource Manager (RM). The RM becomes an extension of the Camp Lejeune team by working with the energy section of the Department of Public Works (DPW) to identify, develop and direct resilience and reliability efforts for the 27M square foot training facility.  Having over 2,000 buildings to evaluate can seem daunting for tackling energy issues, but SEA’s RM was able to use data analytics to identify buildings with a high energy-use intensity to prioritize where to perform energy audits building by building. The RM then provided energy conservation measures (ECMs) for each building. This ensured that while the Installation Energy Manager (IEM) focused on energy issues at the macro level, there were still strides being made building by building. While helping with the energy efficiency aspect, SEA has also been instrumental for helping Camp Lejeune meet the mandated resilience requirements. The on-site RM develops the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) projects to be approved for funding and then assists in requesting and establishing that funding. Our RM is also available as an additional resource for the IEM to help with other tasks such as reviewing drawings for military construction projects or assisting in negotiations for the Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC). Over the past couple of years, Camp Lejeune has had an impressive track record when it comes to energy management, winning the Secretary of the Navy Energy Excellence Award while simultaneously managing to reduce their energy bill by over 30% across four years. Download Project Profile

October is Energy Awareness Month and SEA is proud of the role we play in advancing the Department of Energy’s focus on National Clean Energy Action. This month is an opportunity to highlight SEA’s leadership in energy management, facilities optimization, energy resilience and security, and progress toward clean energy utilization. SEA provides subject matter expertise to help serve our partners with their energy resilience and clean energy goals. Whether through our federal or commercial projects, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve and surpass federal and non-federal energy mandates. With 38 Resource Efficiency Managers placed at federal installations worldwide, our team continuously implements Energy Awareness strategies, year-round.

Waste reduction, force protection and conservation of resources are just a few of many reasons for composting. The added benefit is that it helps the Army reach it’s Net Zero Goals for providing a nutrient-rich material that can be used to fertilize plants and avoid having to use fertilizers. These compost materials are collected from typical trash and waste from dining facilities and public works. Kate DeWolf, Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) eREM stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait; along with Luis Velazquez, senior environmental, safety and health engineer of Vectrus and U.S. Army Central environmental contractors are currently working on a Base Composting Initiative to enhance environmental sustainability goals for supporting the U.S. Army’s Net Zero waste reduction plan. Despite composting in a rather hot and arid environment, leaders at Camp Arifjan are proving that a compositing program can be successful. They recently demonstrated testing locally procured biodegradable materials with food waste from base dining in a live composting demonstration to area key leaders in celebration of October’s Energy Awareness month. The demonstration allowed the team of contractors to showcase new biodegradable materials and identify processes best suited for building resiliency, reducing waste sent to landfills, and establishing an enduring legacy of environmental sustainability efforts for U.S. Army installations in Kuwait. “Research shows it can take items in plastic bags and utensils up to 80 years to fully decompose,” said Velazquez. “With our process, it can take up to 3 months.” During the demonstration, SEA eREM, Kate DeWolf emptied biodegradable bags filled with PLA dining utensils, vegetable discards, eggshells, coffee grounds and base shrubbery into a compost bin. Meanwhile, Velazquez explained; “We are testing to see how long it takes PLA (polylactic acid derived from corn starch) materials to decompose in this unique environment. Depending on how it goes, we will see how we need to adjust.” This gave leaders insight into how their environmental initiatives help achieve base resiliency and have an expansive, positive impact. Another line of effort in the team’s waste reduction initiative is to support the local economy by procuring compost materials, as well as maintain U.S. Army host country relationships in a positive manner through recycling and waste reduction methods. “All of these items that are composting are from a local Kuwait vendor,” said Dewolf. “The garbage bags are actually manufactured in Kuwait so we are supporting our local goals with this effort. It also demonstrates our due diligence to our host countries by showing we want to protect their natural resources for future generations to come.” SEA’s compositing operations in Kuwait are currently limited to pre-plated food and uncooked vegetables; however, the team hopes to expand its capabilities. “We believe the simple things we are doing now, are going to greatly impact the environment 10-20 years from now.” Since 2001, Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. has been the leading small business for providing Resource Efficiency Management (REM) services to federal agencies worldwide. These full-time, on-site energy professionals help to increase the effectiveness of government energy programs by identifying energy conservation measures to reduce energy and water usage. SEA’s conservation measures are accomplished through the implementation of cost-effective programs and practices derived from a review of available data and processes.

Design and New Construction Commissioning Services About the Facility Alabama A&M recently expanded its campus with a new, non-traditional residence hall for upperclassmen. The Student Residence Hall is a four-story home to nearly 580 undergraduate students offering suite-style living with both single, double and quad rooms, private baths, shared living rooms and kitchenettes. The building offers lounges, a game room, free laundry facilities and Internet access. Most importantly, a storm shelter is also on site. AT A GLANCE Alabama A&M Facts 22M Project Cost 183k Square Feet 2018 Completion Date Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc (SEA) was contracted to provide new construction commissioning services for the HVAC and Building Envelope systems. During the design phase, SEA drafted the specifications and developed an energy model for the main plant heating and cooling systems sizing verification. Collaboration between SEA, the design team, the owner and the construction manager helped encourage communication and consider alternatives for change orders during the construction phase. The building designers employed aggressive value engineering strategies in order to reduce construction costs. Those design strategies, in turn, created novel challenges in the construction and occupancy phases. SEA worked extensively with the design engineers to aide in the final design. SEA’S attention to detail and quality control during the construction phase led to the identification and correction of a myriad of serious potential long-term issues. Download Project Profile

Commissioning Provider and General Contractor  SEA has helped the Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic save more than 40% in average utility costs. About the Facility Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic specializes in orthopedic care for all ages. The two-story 26,000 sq. ft. facility provides on-site digital imaging, physical and occupational therapy areas, physician offices and administrative space. Additionally, a dialysis provider is located as a tenant within the same facility.  AT A GLANCE Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic Facts 2019 Completion Date 40% Average Utility Costs Saved 26k Square Feet Scope of Work Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted to provide commissioning and general contracting expertise for the evaluation of the two 70-ton rooftop HVAC units. Additionally, SEA developed an energy strategy to help improve the performance of all building operations systems in order to improve occupant comfort and increase energy savings.  SEA employed commissioning techniques to identify the specific problems, including assessing equipment that was non-functioning and conflicting with HVAC controls programming and occupant schedules. There was also no test balance and adjustment available for the comprehensive system. Once these issues were recognized, SEA offered a turn-key solution acting as general contractor and commissioning provider. SEA managed the removal of the old and installation of the new 70-ton rooftop unit, a new control system, and implemented Testing, Adjustment and Balancing (TAB) for the building’s mechanical equipment.  Since completion of the work, the tenants have experienced improved and consistent indoor air comfort; damp floors are no longer an issue or causing fall hazards, and the frequency of calls reporting issues to facility management has greatly decreased. SEA continues to provide regular monitoring of building controls, and the facility has reported energy savings of more than 40%.  Download Project Profile

Retro Commissioning Services  SEA helped reduce humidification issues from 78% to 55% to meet ASHRAE standards and achieve building sustainability.  AT A GLANCE Alabama State Capitol Facts 55% Achieved ASHRAE Humidity Standard 150 Age in years of Infrastructure 132k Square Feet About the Facility Built in 1851, the Alabama State Capitol is located on Capitol Hill in Montgomery and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1910. For over 150 years, it has hosted the office of the Governor and other executive branch officers while serving as a museum of state history and politics. The Alabama State Capitol was challenged to preserve the historic beauty of its building, while needing to upgrade legacy control systems and aging equipment to address humidification problems impacting the overall infrastructure. Scope of Work SEA was initially contracted as the building investigator which led to commissioning services to investigate air quality issues, life expectancy of the existing HVAC system and overall architectural damage incurred over the years from humidification issues. To do this, SEA established a baseline of conditions measuring humidity which proved to be as high as 78% (the ASHARE standard is 55%). The building receives heating and cooling from the chiller and boiler located across the street at the State House and has 43 Air Handling Units (AHUs), four Fan Coil Units (FCUs) and 16 exhaust fans. SEA reviewed the existing capabilities and tested all equipment and current control strategies. SEA performed functional performance tests on: Airflow traverses on supply, outside and return ducts Pressure drops across the air handler Sensor calibration Pressurization and thermography tests on the building envelope Chiller plant inspections SEA concluded the investigation identifying a series of issues such as restrictions in the supply and return air ducts as well as challenges with the pneumatic control system. Additionally, SEA compiled a list of issues for each of the AHUs prioritizing repairs that needed to be performed. As a result, SEA developed a short and long-term capital improvement plan outlining steps to correct discovered issues. Going beyond investigation and analysis, SEA also created a plan for new controls to replace failing pneumatics. SEA provided oversight during the installation and commissioning phases. SEA doesn’t just discover the issues that need to be fixed. We are your long-term partner to ensure the repairs are completed efficiently. We will continue to work with the capitol to ensure proper humidity levels are achieved. This is just one example of how SEA partners with our clients to see a project through to completion and beyond. Download Project Profile

Continuous Commissioning® Services SEA has helped reduce utility costs by 27% for a total cost savings of $114,793 over 14 months. AT A GLANCE Calhoun Community College Facts 34M Construction / Renovation Cost $114,793 Total Cost Savings 90k Square Feet 2016 Completion Date About the Facility Calhoun Community College Huntsville / Cummings Research Park campus is the only two year college campus in the nation located in a major research park. This $34M construction / renovation project was recently completed providing increased access and a more collegiate environment for students. Sain Engineering Associates (SEA) was contracted to develop the energy strategy and supplement that strategy with a master plan to provide a long-term vision for making sound energy decisions to reduce energy consumption, minimize operating expenditures and extend equipment life. SEA developed the energy strategy by conducting site surveys, interviewing staff and coordinating the master plan by analyzing the age and condition of existing equipment. SEA also provided assistance in making recommendations for energy program staffing and financing plans. Recommended Solutions The documented utility savings resulted from optimizing HVAC equipment accordingly: Optimized hot water supply temperature to reduce boiler demand while maintaining heating needs Corrected air handling units operating inefficiently Monitored zone reheat valves for overcooled areas, verified flow rates and design Modified terimnal box flow rates to reduce unoccupied cooling/heating Investigated leaking or open heating values on air handling units/terminal boxes Examined chilled water valves for leakage Programmed roof top units to reset the supply air temperature Adjusted building pressure setpoint on roof top units to prevent excessive exhaust fan operation Adjusted economizer setpoints on roof top units to better utilize cool, low humidity oustide air Tested outside air and return air damper operation on air handling units Built dashboard to easily monitor air handling unit operation, terminal box reheats, chilled and hot water temperatures Download Project Profile

Energy Audit and Solar Feasibility Study About the Facility Camp McDowell is the camp and conference center of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and was established in 1923. It is located in Nauvoo, Alabama. The camp is comprised of 80 buildings and can accommodate more than 780 overnight guests. The directors of the camp chose to engage Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) to conduct a feasibility study for 100 kW of Solar Photovoltaic array with an opportunity to document low cost energy efficiency opportunities on the campus. Solar Analysis A third party previously recommended a 100 kW solar PV array to Camp McDowell as one of multiple energy sources to be considered in meeting the camp’s vision of becoming a Net-Zero Energy Campus. SEA’s analysis is based on the feasibility of the recommended 100 kW solar PV array. SEA engineers visited Camp McDowell to determine the optimum location and system type for this solar PV array. Feasibility for a solar array is dependent on the following factors: System selection Location Generation capacity Cost Funding After a thorough investigation of each factor, SEA determined that a ground-mounted array on one of three flat, open locations could generate 163,000 kWh annually, or 12% of estimated electrical consumption. This could save the camp approximately $16,700 in utilities each year. Low Cost Energy Efficiency Opportunities SEA also identified several low cost energy efficiency improvements during the one-day site visit. 30 buildings were assessed to seek opportunities for utility savings by making simple changes. Building types investigated included cabin and dormitories, chapels, recreation areas, an infirmary and meeting halls with small kitchens and restrooms. Recommendations, included: adjusting lavatory flow, replacing insulation, turning off day-burning lights and installing door seals. Net-Zero Energy Campus Camp McDowell ultimately wishes to become a Net- Zero Energy Campus. To address the 88% electrical consumption remaining after installation of a solar array, SEA recommends developing an Energy Master Plan. This plan will include future generating options, consideration for base load generation, energy efficiency awareness promotion, and the impact of purchasing and maintaining existing electricity distribution assets currently owned by Alabama Power Company. Download Project Profile

Measurement and Verification Services About the Facility The Dixie Group’s Candlewick Yarns manufacturing facility primarily produces yarn for the company’s carpet business, selling to independent carpet manufacturers. Sain Engineering Associates, Inc. (SEA) was contracted by The Dixie Group to perform Measurement and Verification (M&V) of five energy conservation measures. The deliverable included five annual reports that summarized the measurement and verification baseline detailing the testing and quantification for the validity of energy conservation measures. Overall, the project achieved energy and cost savings through retrofit of the lighting system and replacement of the boiler, air compressor, unit heater and power-heat set treating tunnel. Methodology Baseline Year: The M&V baseline was determined to test and quantify the validity of energy conservation measures that were to be implemented in the Candlewick Yarn’s manufacturing facility. The baseline was developed for natural gas consumption and electricity usage. A baseline equation was found for both electric and natural gas consumption with determination coefficients of 77.48% and 75.28%, respectively. These coefficients indicated considerable correlation between the consumption and the criteria against which they were judged. Year 1 : According to facility personnel, the overall output of the plan has increased over the study period. Increased product led to more run-hours for the significant energy users of the plan, such as air compressors and cabling motors, which will result in a higher billed kWh usage. While replacing the heat-set machine and air compressor did save energy, the changes in production resulted in higher electrical usage for all other machines. The variability of the chiller made it impossible to verify the savings associated with replacing the compressor and heat-set machine without some sort of metering. Year 2: The implemented ECMs have saved money and decreased consumption of electricity and natural gas compared to the base line year resulting in energy efficiency increases. Years 3 and 4: Reports outlined savings generated from the ECMs. Technologies Evaluated and Upgraded: Boiler Lighting Retrofits Air Compressor Unit Heaters Power-heat Set Heat Treating Tunnels Download Project Profile