We are hearing from so many people that they are seeking basic tips and guidance on making their buildings safer/healthier in light of COVID-19. But it just isn’t that simple. Unfortunately, over-simplification of the measures to be taken can give building owners and occupants a false sense of security.
Read MoreIt’s not uncommon to think of water supply like one would think of electricity or other utilities. Build the building, design the space, and connect the water- right? Wrong. Not thinking of your water supply first or in the earliest stages can threaten the entire project.
Read MoreSpotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is thrilled to announce an expansion to our regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm. SSM created a new Energy and Sustainability Services division, to be led by its new director, Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP.
Read MoreMany institutions such as higher education, k-12, museums, and not-for-profit organizations were early adopters of strategic sustainability and energy conservation initiatives, and continue to provide leadership.
Read MoreThe independent expertise and project experience of our new Energy and Sustainability Services division will help our clients plan and execute meaningful, long term goals for climate accountability and cost reduction. And when your community sets aggressive goals to move towards using renewable energy throughout your municipality, we are there to help you develop a plan, engage the community, and break down the barriers to implementation of your long-term energy plan.
Read MoreWhen a County government with more than half a million residents and 49 geographically diverse municipalities received a $3.7-million federal Energy Efficiency + Conservation Block Grant, they turned to multiple contractors for renewable energy installations, transit programs, and other support.
Read MoreEnergy consulting, evaluations, education, and strategic and technical advising - Meet the Team
Read MoreThe urgency of going remote quickly identified gaps in existing systems. Many have been forced to use tools that have always been at their disposal- but often overlooked. GIS has always been an advantageous opportunity for asset management. But, recent events have proven that getting assets into the cloud is absolutely critical, and should be a priority.
Read MoreMaximizing outdoor space has become an urgent priority for facilities and operations managers. Implementation of structures that provide shade and some degree of covering are a critical consideration when planning outdoor space. We encourage you to ask yourself 4 questions before you start the process.
When bringing operations and employees back to the facility, air quality is of the highest priority. Ultra-Violet (UV) filtration is an additional area in which we see options for facility managers to use their HVAC system to improve air quality and decrease contaminants and toxins.
Read MoreToday, the most pervasive new way to communicate is via video meetings. But, unfortunately, many people do it poorly. Here are five keys to a virtual meeting so you can own the “room” like never before!
High definition laser scanning offers the best precision, efficiency, and accuracy to the process of measuring floor flatness. With speed unlike manual measurement, and collection of millions of points, digital scans identify and distinguish exactly where floors stand- competitively outshining historical practices.
Read MoreFor many during this time, considerations are being taken for what communities will look like in the future. Local governments are facing concerns over declining tax revenue, parks and recreation facilitators are wondering how things will happen if they can’t really happen, local leaders and community members are all looking to answer the question, what’s next? When the only thing we can be sure of is change.
Read MoreChanging your way of life was quick. It was urgent. It was immediate. And, it wasn’t optional. So many across our country, across our world were faced with immediate decisions about day-to-day operations. And now as we being to transition back to what once was normal, the question becomes- now what?
Read MoreFor water and wastewater treatment plants, keeping your operators healthy and protected is the priority. Make sure your operators are equipped to continue operating your plant in a safe and healthy way. Of similar priority, be prepared for the worst case scenario. Make sure you have everything in place to easily transition should someone at your plant get sick.
Read MoreThere are many reasons we delay executing on matters, particularly some important ones that as company leaders we have strategically identified and prioritized. The crisis forced many to finally, and quickly, execute an important strategic objective that they’ve been considering for a long time. What other important strategic objectives linger for your facilities management and operations staff to navigate the next storm?
Read MoreDepending on how you left your building, mold growth is a real possibility when you return. The problem with leaving a building unoccupied and controls shut down is that indoor humidity levels increase. Walk throughs and consulting are options to consider if your building is faced with mold growth.
Read MoreIn light of the COID-19 pandemic, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has assessed the role HVAC systems have in the propagation and mitigation of airborne contaminants. ASHRAE, and other similar organizations, have recently released papers discussing the subject. As an engineering company that delivers HVAC design services, SSM is providing a summary of the findings for consideration.
Read MoreThis week, we celebrate the Earth. April 22nd, 2020 is not only Earth Day, but Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary. That makes fifty years of the world coming together to defend our environment, to mobilize volunteers, to advocate, to educate, and to appreciate the treasure that is our planet Earth.
Read MoreWhy do we save trees? What’s the big deal about them anyways?
We bet you’re screaming at us now saying “BECAUSE THEY GIVE US OXYGEN!!”
We hear you! Trees are one of Earth’s great treasures because of their role in the carbon cycle. Flashback to high school biology! Animals and humans breathe in oxygen and exhale CO2 while trees, and other plants, do the opposite.
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