The Consulting-Specifying Engineer Podcast

Drives can have an appreciable impact on energy performance, along with making mission critical facilities more reliable. Listen to Erik Lange, Product Manager – HVAC, Yaskawa, Franklin, Wisconsin, to learn more. Chapters (00:00:00) - CSE Podcast: No Pressure(00:00:33) - What are Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Do(00:02:55) - Best Practices for Drive Reliability in Mission Critical Facilities(00:04:38) - What role should the drive manufacturer play during commissioning?(00:07:12) - Setting up a V-Frequency Drive(00:10:08) - The World's Farthest Place From Land

Guest: Melisa Rodriguez, PE, NICET Level IV, Johnson Controls Inc., Eagan, Minnesota Cold storage fire protection is a challenging feat for any fire protection engineer. Melisa Rodriguez from Johnson Controls Inc. breaks down the details of this fire suppression topic. Chapters (00:00:00) - Cold Storage Fire Protection(00:00:26) - Fire Protection Engineer Melissa Rodriguez(00:01:29) - Fire protection in cold storage(00:02:57) - Fire protection strategies for cold storage(00:05:18) - How To Build Cold Storage Fire Protection Systems(00:07:59) - Fire protection system for cold storage(00:10:37) - Butter Floods the Streets of Wisconsin(00:12:39) - Fire Protection and Suppression Systems Podcast

Guest: Jeffrey Staub, Danfoss Climate Solutions When designing data centers, understanding whether and how to incorporate heat recoveryrequires several considerations. Jeff Staub at Danfoss Climate Solutions explains how mechanicalengineers might successfully integrate heat recovery. Chapters (00:00:00) - Data Centers Podcast(00:00:40) - Request for heat recovery in data centers(00:03:38) - How to recover data center heat?(00:05:45) - Heat Recovery System Integration into a Data Center(00:14:33) - Has liquid-cooled data centers become more popular?(00:18:38) - Heat Recovery Systems(00:25:11) - Jeff Lawson on Heat Recovery in Data Centers(00:27:58) - Heat Recovery

Guest: Robert Knight When explaining integrated building systems to building owners, it’s best to start the conversation with all the right questions. Listen to Robert Knight from Arup as he talks about the benefits of smart buildings that include integrated systems. Chapters (00:00:03) - The Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:24) - How to Talk to a Building Owner About Smart Building Systems(00:05:14) - WSJD Live: What is a Smart Building?(00:10:50) - Marriage of Systems(00:16:05) - What's Your Strategy for Simplifying Building Management Systems?(00:19:34) - Getting Smart Buildings People Involved Early in the Process(00:24:56) - How to Explain IT Systems to Owners(00:27:43) - How my technical theater background has benefited me in the smart buildings(00:33:40) - Getting It Out There: Integrated Building Systems

Guest: Chris Forth, Vice President Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs, JC Residential and Light Commercial Mechanical engineers should understand the many aspects of putting A2L refrigerants in practice: codes and standards, refrigerant detection systems and supply. In this conversation with Chris Forth from JC Residential and Light Commercial, learn more about the transition to low-global warming potential refrigerants in HVAC systems. Chapters (00:00:00) - Refrigerants for H VAC Systems(00:02:36) - A2L Refrigerants(00:04:48) - How Does A2LS Affect HVAC Systems?(00:06:40) - RDS and controls(00:08:41) - 2L Refrigerant(00:11:48) - R454B refrigerant shortage(00:15:36) - HVAC Systems

Guest: Hailey Mick Listen as Hailey Mick, engineering business development manager at GF Building Flow Solutions, discusses how water-based applications, such as radiant heating and cooling, hydronic hot-water heating and chilled-water systems. These options can provide a solution for comfort, efficiency, air quality and other indoor environmental quality benefits while helping projects meet schedules and budgets, and also supporting a low-carbon economy that can benefit carbon neutrality efforts. Chapters (00:00:01) - HVAC Systems(00:00:50) - What is Hydronic and Radiated Systems?(00:03:45) - Do Radiant Systems Make an Architecturally Profound Impact?(00:06:51) - Do Radiant and Hydronic Systems Support Decarbonization?(00:12:54) - Enjoying the Water

Guest: Taylor Goade, Xylem’s Bell & Gossett Commercial Buildings In-person and online training are a must for younger mechanical engineers. Listen to this episode to learn more about gaining hands-on experience and keeping up-to-date with new HVAC technology. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:30) - How to Pass Down Field Knowledge to New Engineers(00:03:01) - Structured Learning: The Future of Mechanical Engineers(00:09:46) - Xylem Walk for Water 2018(00:11:41) - Working With a Developing Workforce

Guests: Kevin Langan and Richard Vedvik Listen to Kevin Langan (a mechanical engineer) and Richard Vedvik (an electrical engineer) discuss how integrated building systems can be designed from the start. Topics like electrification, building automation systems and collaboration are all touched on. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:53) - Integrated Building Systems(00:03:52) - What is Building Automation System Integration with Legacy Controls?(00:05:56) - Building Automation Systems: Advances(00:10:39) - Structural Fire Protection Engineering Coordination During Construction(00:14:21) - Electrical Systems(00:17:08) - Energy Design: Electrification Impact(00:23:15) - Top Executives on Cybersecurity(00:23:46) - Integrated MEP Systems

Guests: Anne Ullestad, LC, LEED AP, Assoc. IALD and Paul Daniel, LC LEED AP, HDR Self-professed lighting nerds Anne Ullestad and from HDR talk about all things lighting, from health care and office buildings to unusual LED and daylighting applications. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:05) - Integrating Lighting with Architectural Design(00:08:14) - How LED Lighting Fits Have Influenced Healthcare Fixtures(00:11:47) - Tunable Light and Circadian Supportive Lighting(00:19:43) - Paul and Anne: Lighting Design(00:23:51) - Lighting and Lighting Design

Guest: Chris Finen, PE, LEED AP, Eaton, Nashville Eaton’s Chris Finen works with young electrical engineers, along with this own new staff to provide them with the practical knowledge needed in power and electrical engineering design. This conversation will give you some tips and tools to help your younger engineers gain practical know-how. Chapters (00:00:03) - Interviewing Chris Finnan(00:00:57) - Structural Engineers: The Workforce(00:03:36) - The future of power engineering(00:07:37) - Eaton Consulting: Onboarding New Talent(00:13:53) - Tennessee Percussion Artist on the Music City(00:16:23) - Interviewing 40 Under 40 Engineers

Guest: Edward W. Powazki, PE, LEED AP, Mechanical Practice Group Lead, Senior Associate, SSOE Group, Toledo, Ohio SSOE Group didn’t want its mechanical engineering team to just survive — it needed to thrive. Learn how the firm structured its various engineering groups, and how mentoring and cross-connections have made it successful. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:22) - Edward Powaski(00:08:11) - Practice Group for Scientists(00:11:45) - Interview

Guest: Casey Crown, Reliable Controls  Women in the HVAC industry face many challenges, all of which continue to evolve. In this conversation, learn the how to take on hiring, retaining and training these younger female engineers and HVAC staff members.  Chapters (00:00:03) - The Role of Women in the H Vac Industry(00:00:27) - The H Vac Industry's Diversity(00:03:12) - The Challenges of HVAC Women(00:05:27) - Top Engineer's Tips for Supporting Junior Engineers(00:07:34) - What Companies Need to Do to Attract More Women in H Vac(00:10:36) - Control Systems(00:14:23) - Favorite Live Music Experiences(00:16:11) - Casey Crown on Rock and Roll Experience

Guest: George Hawkinson, Burns & McDonnell  By knowing building analytics and how to correlate the vast amounts of data gathered by mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems, building engineers can help their building clients design and maintain various systems. Chapters (00:00:04) - Data Analysis and visualization for Building Experts(00:01:17) - Big Data in the Building Industry(00:05:32) - Data visualization in the facility management environment(00:07:51) - Do Digital Twins Play a Role in Retrofit?(00:10:22) - George Clooney on His Free Time(00:11:39) - Integration & Data Analysis Podcast

Guest: Josh Dinaburg Product certification standards for energy storage often lag behind changes in technology and safety concerns. Designers must navigate the requirements of product certification while staying on top of research and development testing to meet the changing demands of the industry. Josh Dinaburg, PE who oversees the Fire Testing Lab at CSA Group’s Distributed Energy Resource Lab, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer to discuss the current state of energy storage systems, and what designers should look out for in the future. Chapters (00:00:02) - Consulting Specifying Engineer(00:00:56) - Energy Storage Systems: Testing and Certification(00:06:38) - Energy Storage Systems, Fire and Explosion(00:10:57) - What's a Lab Day in the Energy Lab?(00:14:04) - CSA Fire Safety: Energy Storage Codes(00:18:41) - How to stay informed about new standards?(00:19:58) - Battery Energy Storage Systems: Safety

Guest: Jeffrey Jerwers, Data Center Cooling Subject Matter Expert, Johnson Controls Inc.  Sustainability is a critical factor in data center design. Engineers must now design systems that can optimize energy efficiency without evaporating water. In this conversation, Jeffrey Jerwers from Johnson Controls will discuss the trends driving the need for water conservation and the associated equipment impact.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Data Center Cooling(00:01:00) - Interview with Jeffrey Jwers(00:01:41) - Are Data Centers Still Using Water Coolers?(00:04:27) - What are the trends in data center sustainability?(00:06:22) - Do Data Centers Need Air Cooled Systems?(00:10:32) - Do Application Considerations Impact Air Cooled Data Centers?(00:14:21) - Your First Job(00:15:57) - Johnson Controls Refrigerants, Data Center Sustainability

Guest: Mario Perez, PE, Associate Principal and Americas West Life Sciences Leader, Arup, San Francisco What does the lab of the future look like? According to Mario Perez, PE, labs might have robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, all while offering the researcher or scientist a more comfortable place to work. Learn about trends in laboratory design. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:00) - Future of Life Science Lab Buildings(00:03:39) - Is it time for labs to shrink?(00:05:09) - The future of science labs: energy efficiency and innovation(00:07:01) - The science lab building: more sustainable than ever(00:08:51) - Lab Buildings: The Changes Coming

Guest: Doug Bougher As the HVAC industry prepares for the refrigerant change next year, it's important for specifying engineers to understand how it will impact design decisions and considerations. Doug Bougher, director of applied sales for LG Electronics, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer to discuss the most important aspects of the refrigerant change. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:45) - Why is HFCs changing in refrigerants?(00:02:39) - Refrigerant Change(00:08:23) - Refrigerant Change(00:11:20) - The 410A Refrigerant Transition(00:13:54) - Applied Rep on the Transition(00:14:41) - Refrigerants

Guest: Enelio Enriquez, Senior Associate, Team Leader, Jordan & Skala Engineers Hot water heating systems in assisted living facilities are complex to design, and require a lot of attention to detail. Learn about balancing and testing these plumbing systems. Enelio Enriquez from Jordan & Skala Engineers joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer in today's episode to discuss this topic. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:34) - The challenges of water systems in assisted living facilities(00:03:31) - How to Control Hot Water temperature in an assisted living facility(00:13:59) - Annelio on Getting Stuck in Paris(00:15:30) - Multifamily Building Codes

Guest: Aaron Kilburg When designing plumbing systems, engineers need to choose between different valve types and materials. Aaron Kilberg, Commercial Sales Manager for Nibco, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer to discuss main considerations for material selection of ball valves and butterfly valves in plumbing systems. Chapters (00:00:00) - Material Selection for Plumbing and Mechanical Systems(00:00:38) - Butterfly Valves and Ball Vents(00:04:12) - Bronze and Brass(00:06:26) - BRONZE vs BRONZE VELVES(00:09:29) - Butterfly Valve(00:12:17) - Choosing materials for plumbing and mechanical systems

Guest: Eddie Rodriguez Centrifugal compressors offer a multitude of advantages to the HVAC market including energy savings, reduced maintenance and increased sustainability. Eddie Rodriguez, senior product manager for Danfoss Turbocor, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer in this episode to discuss the applications and advantages of centrifugal compressors. Chapters (00:00:01) - Consultant Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:06) - What is Oil Free Magnetic Bearing Compressor?(00:04:22) - Are Oil Free Compressors Limited to Certain Applications?(00:06:07) - Are Oil Free Compressors Available with Low GWP Refriger(00:07:24) - Compressors

Guest: Tyler Haak, Schneider Electric Resiliency, sustainability and decarbonization are terms frequently used by engineers when designing buildings, or when incorporating systems into a building. In this conversation, hear more about building management systems, integration and future trends for buildings. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:13) - How can Building Management Systems be leveraged to optimize energy efficiency in(00:03:56) - Sustainability & cybersecurity: The Future of IT(00:09:24) - What Other Codes and Standards Should Building Systems Engineers Consider?(00:11:40) - The Low-Hanging Fruit(00:14:34) - Projects of the Future(00:17:45) - Schneider Electric on Podcasts(00:19:32) - Sustainability in the Building Management Systems

Guest: Vas Gnanadoss, Watts Water Technologies Sustainability is a core tenet of the building industry, and engineers should understand its importance. In this discussion, life cycle assessments and environmental product declarations are described in details, along with their importance in the building industry. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:21) - What is Sustainability?(00:09:06) - What is Green Building?(00:10:05) - Daisy the Fox Hound Is Green

Guest: Sunil Lakshmipathy, PhD, and Anil Kapahi, PhD, from Jensen Hughes Energy storage systems must be designed to meet all fire, life safety and explosion codes and standards. Learn about explosion mitigation, passive and active mitigation measures and testing in this conversation. Core topics include NFPA 68, NFPA 69, NFPA 855 and various UL standards. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:33) - Energy Storage Systems(00:05:04) - Energy Storage Hazards(00:07:29) - Solar Thermal Runaway(00:10:37) - NFPA 68 vs ESS: Pro- and Con-(00:14:17) - What are the tools to perform the explosion control system analysis under NF(00:17:32) - What kind of testing is required for thermal runaway energy storage systems?(00:21:10) - Explosion Protection System(00:23:15) - Explosion control systems(00:25:12) - What Other Podcasts Do You Listen To?(00:26:48) - What do you do for fun?(00:27:42) - Explosion Control and Mitigation in Energy Storage Systems

Guest: Jeremy Johnson, TBE, CxA Testing, adjusting and balancing reports can help ensure that a building's systems are running as effectively and efficiently as possible. However, sometimes these reports can be overwhelming or confusing for people unfamiliar with them. Jeremy Johnson, BE, CxA with American Testing Inc. joins us today to break down TAB reports and share why they can be so valuable. Chapters (00:00:00) - Testing, Adjusting and Balancing(00:00:52) - AABC Test and Balance(00:03:54) - AABC Test and Balance Technician and Certification Program(00:06:04) - Understanding an AABC Tab Report(00:13:07) - Do HVAC Systems Need Retro or Periodic TIB?(00:15:10) - Do Buildings Need More Retro-Tab?(00:18:16) - The ABC Test and Balance(00:19:16) - Interviewing American Testing's Jeremy Johnson

Guest: Al LaPera, CxA, EMP, LEED AP Decarbonization is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But, what does it actually mean? Al LaPera, CxA, EMP, LEED AP, and Senior Building Energy Practice Builder for Kimley-Horn dives into what's driving decarbonization and the changes it's bringing about. Chapters (00:00:00) - Decarbonization: An Overview(00:01:05) - What environmental conditions are driving decarbonization projects?(00:04:13) - Buildings' carbon footprint(00:06:54) - Why Do Builders Not Reduce Their Carbon Footprint?(00:10:29) - Georgia governor on natural gas and fossil fuels(00:13:27) - Decarbonization for Business Executives(00:17:05) - Teaching and Commissions: Decarbonization

Guest: Erin McDannald, CEO and co-owner, Elevated Data centers and the building technologies surrounding them are growing at a rapid pace. No one knows this better than Erin McDannald from Elevated. In this discussion, she talks about artificial intelligence’s role in data center changes, implementation of direct current power and lighting and lighting controls. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:56) - How AI Is Affecting Data Centers(00:03:56) - What are the advantages of DC power systems in data centers?(00:07:18) - Optimal Lighting and Controls for Data Centers(00:09:18) - How to Transition to an Autonomous Data Center?(00:13:40) - Data Centers and Smart Buildings

Guest: Matthew Merli, PE, LEED AP, Fitzemeyer and Tocci Associates Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts  The manufacturing sector is changing and growing, and engineers must be aware of how to meet clients’ needs. In this conversation, Matthew Merli from Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates Inc. talks about driving innovation in these high-tech buildings. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:34) - What are the Main Drivers Behind the Recent Growth in the Electronics,(00:04:08) - What are the challenges facing the architecture, engineering, construction industry?(00:07:35) - Structural & Energy Efficiency Projects(00:16:45) - Questions to Ask When Planning a New Facility or Upgrade(00:18:32) - Matt in a High School Garage Band(00:19:59) - AEC Magazine 2017

Guest: Charles Jackson, PE, LEED AP BD+C During the commissioning and testing, adjusting and balancing process, it's important for engineers to consider energy use and look for ways that systems can become more efficient. Charles Jackson, PE, LEED AP BD+C, discusses the benefits of existing building commissioning how they can lead to energy savings. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer: Existing Building Commissioning(00:01:12) - Do energy audits and existing building commissioning work together?(00:02:29) - What are the benefits of existing building commissioning?(00:07:54) - CX Energy: Building Systems Commissioning(00:09:27) - CS. Engineering Lecture(00:10:07) - What Do You Do For Fun?

Guest: Craig Roberts, CEM, Account Executive McKinstry In this conversation, Craig Roberts from McKinstry looks at retro-commissioning in hotels, and how buildings can reduce energy use and enhance decarbonization efforts through retro-commissioning. If you need to know more about retro-commissioning and its benefits, this is a great place to start. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:32) - What's the Difference Between Retro Commissioning and Energy Audit?(00:02:12) - What's the Motivations for Retro Commissioning in Hotels(00:03:49) - Challenges of Retro Commissioning Programs in Hotels(00:09:26) - Do hotels need retro commissioning?(00:12:16) - Jeff's Flavored Snow(00:14:11) - Re retro commissioning

Guest: Don Cameron and Jordan Engel, Yaskawa Power quality and harmonics are issues electrical engineers must factor in when designing electrical systems with motors, drives or other equipment that cause distortion. Hear from Yaskawa’s Don Cameron and Jordan Engel for solutions and practical advice. Chapters (00:00:00) - Power Quality(00:01:16) - Power Quality Standards(00:03:04) - What Exactly are Harmonics?(00:05:52) - Signs of poor power quality(00:09:53) - What Installation Environments Are More Likely to Experience Harmonics Issues?(00:11:43) - What Solutions are Practical and Realistically Available?(00:13:11) - What is the impact of nonlinear loads on transformer design?(00:14:33) - Jordan and Don: The Empty Noodle(00:16:26) - Power Harmonics

Guest: Andy Smith and Mark Bigbie, Jordan & Skala Engineers Electric vehicle charging station experts Andy Smith, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwell Amb., and Mark Bigbie, PE, from Jordan & Skala Engineers dive into what it takes to specify EV charging stations in commercial buildings. From placement to future-proofing, they look at EV charging from many angles. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:13) - Should a Commercial Building Include EV Charging Stations?(00:02:19) - What Are the Regulatory Implications for EV Chargers?(00:06:37) - Building Infrastructure Upgrade for EV Charging(00:07:44) - Location, accessibility of EV chargers(00:12:11) - Should Commercial Buildings Future-Proof EV Charging?(00:16:01) - Do Electric Cars Have Any Backup Power?(00:19:23) - An EV Charger Installation Cost(00:23:41) - ECONOMICS

Guest: Todd Shackelford and Pratibha Basrao Adaptation of new technologies in the architecture, engineering and construction industry is an ever-changing target. In this conversation with Todd Shackelford and Pratibha Basrao from HDR, hear how they’re handling data analytics, emerging technologies and the topics surrounding workforce development with their clients and colleagues. Chapters (00:00:01) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:27) - Todd Shackelford and Pratibha Basra(00:01:21) - The Art of Adapting New Technologies(00:02:51) - When to Adopt a New Technology?(00:05:40) - How Data Analytics and AI Enhance Project Management & Decision Making(00:10:13) - 3-D Design: Problem Solving in the Field(00:11:34) - Are building and facility sustainability goals advanced through smart buildings?(00:15:49) - The convergence of the AEC and the workforce(00:19:09) - The Need for Technology in Engineering & Design(00:23:31) - AEC Ethical Issues around(00:30:09) - What is the one technology that will convert perfectly from engineering to blockchain(00:34:19) - Building Information Modeling(00:39:27) - CSE Magazine 2017: The Consulting Specifying Engineer

Guest: Rob Tanner and Jon McCrea Decarbonization is top-of-mind for many engineers and their clients. How can consulting engineers help facility teams achieve these goals? Learn about heat pumps and related sustainable solutions from Rob Tanner and Jon McCrea from Johnson Controls Inc. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:06) - Heat Pump Technology(00:04:50) - Heat Pumps(00:09:03) - Air to Water Heat Pump(00:11:44) - Heat Pump vs. Water Heating Systems(00:16:42) - Heat Pump Solutions for Facilities With Conservative Budgets(00:21:28) - Heat Pump and Cooling(00:25:17) - How to Decarbonize Your Home

Guest: Jane Baikadanova Understanding how to set up an engineering project and manage it through the life cycle is something Jane Baikadanova from IPQ is passionate about. Learn more about how to complete a high-quality project from start to finish, including a step-by-step process. Chapters (00:00:01) - Consulting Specifying Engineer(00:01:13) - Project Life Cycle(00:02:29) - The Best Ways to Ensure Quality Throughout the Project Life Cycle(00:07:38) - Projects 6, Integrating the Different Disciplines(00:11:55) - 3 tips for the project setup to ensure quality(00:14:54) - How to Set Up a Workflow System?(00:16:59) - I'm Going To See The World's Largest Underwater(00:17:58) - Post-Interview: Quality Deliverables

Guest: Steve Flinn Direct digital controls (DDC) and programmable logic controllers (PLC) systems should be specified based on several factors, such as cost, project type and sophistication of the need. Steve Flinn from Stantec discusses where and why DDCs and PLCs are used, focusing on data centers. Chapters (00:00:03) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:00:58) - Direct Digital Controls vs Programmable Logic Controllers(00:09:41) - An Internet Protocol Address(00:10:06) - PLCs vs DDC: The Pros and Cons(00:13:54) - #AskWSJD: Best Vacation Ever(00:15:15) - Talking Business(00:15:33) - Building Automation Systems

Guest: Joe Romano  Electric vehicle charging stations, specifically the electrical and power systems, require engineers to fully understand electrical coordination and overall design. Joe Romano from Syska Hennessy Group talks about the issues electrical engineers must consider when designing new or renovating existing EV charging stations. Chapters (00:00:01) - Consultant Specifying Engineer(00:01:31) - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations(00:07:09) - How Does an EV Charging Station Affect the Electric System?(00:08:49) - Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure(00:16:34) - EV Charging Station Scalability(00:18:23) - Inspiring Chicagoans: Joe Biden(00:19:20) - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Guest: Brandon Reynolds and Eric Eric Graettinger EV charging stations have quickly become a top consideration for engineers, so it's important to understand the challenges these technologies present and what owners might want from them. Brandon Reynolds and Eric Gaettinger of Peter Basso Associates discuss how certain businesses are implementing electric vehicles and what issues they might face as they move toward the new technology. Chapters (00:00:00) - Electric Vehicle Charging For Free Fleets(00:01:52) - Are Electric Vehicles Necessary for Business Fleets?(00:03:40) - What Are the Hurdles to Electrified Fleets?(00:07:41) - Should I Install DC Fast Chargers?(00:12:25) - Beyond DC Fast Chargers, What About Opportunity Charges?(00:14:00) - Trucking Future: Electric Semi Trucks(00:17:07) - Peter Basso Associates: The Most Interesting Project(00:20:21) - EV Charging Stations

Guest: Gregg Achtenhagen Lowering the temperature of hot water systems can help building owners and engineers meet sustainability goals. Gregg Achgtenhagen, PE, LEED AP, and senior manager with Cleaver Brooks discusses necessary considerations for designing low temperature hot water systems. Chapters (00:00:00) - Low Temperature Water Systems(00:00:44) - What is a Low Temperature Hot Water System?(00:07:32) - Low Temperature Hot Water Systems

Guest: Craig Janssen From immersive audiovisual systems to smart crowd management, the future of venue technology promises enhanced experiences for audiences and operational efficiencies for organizers. Craig Janssen, LEED AP, and Managing Principal with Salas O’Brien, discusses the unique considerations in the entertainment venue space and what designers are doing to enhance user experiences Chapters (00:00:01) - Entertainment Venue Technology(00:00:39) - Interviews with Craig Jansen(00:01:17) - What's The Future of Venues?(00:03:37) - How Technology Is Enhancing Audience Engagement(00:06:12) - The Challenges of Integrating New Technologies into Venues(00:08:07) - How Virtual or Augmented-Reality Impact Live Events(00:11:46) - How technology can improve crowd management at sports events(00:13:41) - The role of venue technologies in sustainability(00:15:32) - Enjoying live events(00:18:25) - The Best Concert You've Ever Seen(00:20:31) - The Future of Venues: Technology

Guest: Ronald Roos  Single-phase heat pumps have moved to the forefront of the decarbonization movement with higher efficiencies, lower operating ranges and multizone capability. Ronald Roos, senior manager for engineered sales with Lennox International, discusses applications for these pumps and why they've become so popular recently. Chapters (00:00:03) - Single Phase Heat Pumps(00:01:13) - What's The Culture Shock?(00:02:32) - Single Phase Heat Pumps and VRFs(00:05:21) - Lennox Reel Inside Discharge & VRF Outdoor Units(00:11:59) - BRF Systems and Single Phase Heat Pumps

Guest: Brian Alessi  Decarbonization is often a top priority for new building or retrofit projects, however understanding an owner's priorities and restrictions can create difficulties in implementing these strategies. Brian Alessi, the sustainability director for Henderson Engineers, gives the audience tips for approaching these conversations and creating building systems that are healthy, sustainable, and resilient. Chapters (00:00:01) - Decarbonization in Building Design(00:01:04) - What are the challenges in implementing decarbonization strategies in building design(00:02:50) - Building Decarbonization: The Challenges(00:06:32) - Challenges to Decarbonization(00:12:26) - What are the right tools to have in the toolbox to do(00:13:56) - WSJD: Decarbonization Conversations With Clients(00:22:30) - Electricity Decarbonization: Emerging Technologies(00:24:58) - Decarbonization driven by data(00:28:26) - Induction cooking and refrigerants(00:29:14) - An Architect at a Leading Engineering Firm

Guest: Richard Vedvik AI can help create building automation systems that are predictive, rather than reactive, which will save energy, can simplify tasks and save workers from overly repetitive tasks. Richard Vedvik, PE, senior electrical engineer and acoustics engineer at IMEG Corp. talks about how AI can be integrated into current building automation systems and what benefits it might bring. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:08) - Building Automation Systems: Future(00:10:05) - Do you think that AI can help in the workplace?(00:11:40) - President of the World's Climate Committee(00:12:55) - A New World of AI and Building Automation

Guest: Daniel Shepard  It can be difficult to strike a balance between cybersecurity and the functionality of control systems, especially with the speed of technological advancements in the world today. Daniel Shepard, Control System Cybersecurity Discipline Manager for Dewberry’s Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural practice, discusses key considerations for consulting engineers when considering cyber issues in their projects. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer: Cybersecurity in Building Control Systems(00:01:05) - Control Systems(00:06:46) - Is the Control System Vulnerable to Cyberattacks?(00:10:29) - What Regulations or Standards are There for Securing Control Systems?(00:13:17) - How to assess the security of your IT systems?(00:15:45) - How to Secure Control Systems?(00:21:28) - Cybersecurity in Facility Design

Guest: Brandon Reynolds and Eric Eric Graettinger As the use of electric vehicles (EVs) grow, so does the demand for charging stations. Brandon Reynolds and Eric Gaettinger of Peter Basso Associate discuss solutions and considerations to avoid problems down the line and choose the best, most cost-effective option. Chapters (00:00:00) - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations(00:01:34) - PBA On EV Charging Solutions(00:03:28) - Local Codes and Ordinances that Require EV Charging(00:05:34) - What's It Like To Own and Maintenance Electric Car Chargers?(00:08:13) - What to Do About an EV Charger?(00:10:01) - Prepping for an EV Charge Station(00:13:14) - What Kind of Maintenance Should Electric Car Chargers Get?(00:16:17) - EV Charging Stations

Guest: Tyler Mancl Fan Energy Index (FEI) is a metric that can assist engineers in selecting the most energy efficient fans for many different applications. Tyler Mancl, P.E., Principal Application Engineer with Greenheck’s Customer Insights Team, explains how an understanding of FEI can help engineers with code compliance to ensure that fans specified will perform with improved operating efficiencies and lower sound levels. Chapters (00:00:00) - Fan Energy Index(00:00:35) - HVAC(00:01:39) - Fan Energy Index (FEI vs FEG)(00:08:16) - What to Know About Fan Energy Efficiency (FEI)(00:11:46) - When will FEI show up in the Energy Code?(00:13:41) - Efficient Fan Systems: FEI metric(00:16:42) - Engineering Experience with FEI(00:18:17) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast

Guest: Designing and maintaining data centers requires specific considerations and knowledge due to their large energy needs and unique codes and standards. In this episode, Forrest Secosky, the Commercial Marketing Manager for Data Centers with Eaton, breaks down the biggest trends and innovations engineers should know when working with data centers. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:01) - Electrical Engineering(00:05:33) - How to Balance Data Centers and Carbon Emissions(00:07:24) - Eaton Power & Infrastructure: Data Centers(00:10:28) - Forest's fun and challenging projects(00:12:53) - Data Centers

Guest: Patricia Nzioka Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is an alternative fuel source that works similarly to diesel fuel. Patricia Nzioka, director of marketing & strategy for the data center business at Cummins Inc., discusses the future of HVO as an alternative fuel and how it can aid in decarbonization. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer Podcast(00:01:19) - How Did I End Up Working for Cummins(00:02:09) - What is HVO Diesel? (7)(00:08:13) - HVO Energy's Future in DC(00:11:41) - Power Generation: Bridge Solutions(00:13:58) - Tea or Coffee?

Guest: Electrical vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, making electrical vehicle charging stations an important addition to many projects. Brandon Reynolds, associate for Peter Basso Associates talks about charging station options, compatibility and what businesses should look for in new projects. This is part one of a three part series on electrical vehicles. Chapters (00:00:00) - Consulting Specifying Engineer: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations(00:01:40) - EV Charging Stations(00:07:16) - What is the North American Electric Vehicle Charging Standard?(00:09:53) - What Type Of Fast Charger Should Your Tesla Use?(00:11:17) - How Do Business Owners Decide What Type of EV Charger They(00:12:01) - What's the One Thing You Cannot Travel Without?(00:12:54) - EV Charging Stations

Guest: Louise Rasmussen Diversity, community outreach and early recruiting can be key to retaining HVAC engineers. In this episode Louise Rasmussen, Senior Human Resources Partner at Trane Technologies talks creating and retaining a strong workforce. Chapters (00:00:00) - The HVAC Industry's Approach to Hiring, Retaining(00:01:15) - About the Guest: Louise Rasmussen(00:01:58) - What Do You Do For Fun?(00:02:56) - Engineering Talent Recruitment(00:06:13) - Structural Engineers on Leadership Roles(00:09:13) - TRAIN Technologies Community Outreach Programs(00:12:05) - Training and Recruitment: The Mechanical Engineer

Guest: Dave Lowrey, Chief Fire Marshal, City of Boulder Fire Rescue and Sean Mitchell, Senior Fire Consultant, Arup Multi-criteria detectors, which combine multiple detection technologies, have become more common in the fire detector market Today, we are talking to fire and life safety experts Dave Lowrey and Sean Mitchell about multi-criteria detectors and why they're important. Chapters (00:00:00) - Fire and Life Safety Multi-Criteria Detectors(00:01:30) - Multi-Sensor Detectors(00:04:02) - Do Combustion Detectors Need Space?(00:04:51) - Are multi- criteria detectors acceptable in residential dwellings?(00:08:07) - Is a Dumb Smoke Detector Better Than a Multi-Sensor?(00:11:05) - Multi-Sensor Smoke Alarms(00:14:08) - What is a Dumb Heat Detector?(00:16:27) - What UL listing or other listing should I look for for smoke or(00:18:52) - Fire Alarm Detection Systems, Multi-Sensor Detectors(00:20:21) - Carbon Monoxide Alarm(00:24:50) - Fire Alarm Systems: Multi-Sensor vs. Single Sensor(00:27:47) - Smoke Alarm Test and Commissioning(00:29:55) - Firefighters on the Fireworks