Author: 360 Engineering

Celebrating EWeek – Why We Love Engineering

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National Engineers Week is February 19-25, 2017. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the purpose of EWeek is to recognize engineers’ positive contributions to society, and communicate the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills. According to NSPE.org, “EWeek is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.”

As a Marketing Coordinator for Three Sixty Engineering, and a newcomer to the AEC (Architecture/Engineer/Construction) Industry, it has been fascinating learning about the engineering field. While I’ve just begun to scratch the surface, I’ve been learning about mechanical systems, energy efficiency, and the consulting and design process. I’ve enjoyed listening to all the problem solving that happens around our office. It’s great how our engineers work together and support each other, all working towards the same end goal, providing top-notch service to our partners and clients.

To celebrate National Engineers Week, and raise awareness (about how awesome engineering is), I asked some of our mechanical engineers to share why they decided to go into the field and what they enjoy about being an engineer:

 

Craig Crow, Project Engineer:
I have always been intrigued by how things work, and I have always had strengths in math and science. As time passed and the moment came closer to choose a major; engineering seemed like the logical choice because it allowed me to continue to explore how things work. I chose mechanical specifically because it seems to offer the largest variety of industries/knowledge.

Spencer Rioux, Project Engineer:
I enjoy being an engineer for several reasons, a few of which are my love of learning, the satisfaction associated with solving puzzles, and the real-life impact of my work. The construction engineering field is constantly evolving with new technologies and codes, so there is always more to learn and skills to develop. It’s also very gratifying to recognize the ways in which our designs make everyday life possible in an office, or a school, or any number of facilities we work on by creating comfortable spaces with practical mechanical and plumbing systems in operation.

Joe Wittenberg, Project Engineer:
I entered engineering for two reasons. First, I was good at math, but being a math teacher didn’t appeal to me. Second, I enjoy problem solving and I like the idea of there being a correct answer or solution to a given problem. This drove me to study engineering in school, the problem-solving aspect still keeps me interested in my day to day work as an engineer.

Taylor Reese LEED AP BD+C, CxA, Project Manager:
Throughout human history, individuals have faced challenges everyday of their lives. In our modern society, these struggles may be as inconsequential as being a little chilly at our desk at work or wanting to safely send emails as we drive. Many years ago, the tribulations were much more dire, such as avoiding hypothermia during an intense blizzard or crossing wide rivers or high mountain passes during a long journey. Over the years, engineering has provided solutions to these in the form of buildings that can keep us warm and safe during extreme weather and bridges and tunnels that allow us to cross all sorts of perilous terrain with ease; and it will only be a matter of time until the challenges of today are solved.

I became an engineer because I recognized these deficiencies in my life and wanted to be able to do something about them. Engineering is a state of mind, a different way of looking at the world. It’s a toolkit of skills rooted in math and science that can be applied to the world around us. It’s a technique of not just seeing a problem, but understanding, characterizing, and simplifying it on the way to a solution. Engineers are indispensable contributors to the advancement of society, and I am proud to be one.

 

Wow, it really gives me goosebumps to read these testimonials, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I have. I’m thrilled to be a part of this team of passionate engineers!

-Stacey Richardson, Marketing Coordinator

2017 AHR Expo – Post Conference Follow-Up

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The 2017 AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) set several records this year, including attendance of more than 68,000 registered attendees and exhibitor personnel, as well as 500,159 square feet sold. Three Sixty Engineering sent two of our mechanical engineers, Project Manager Taylor Reese LEED AP BD+C, CxA and Project Engineer Joe Wittenberg, to learn about the latest technologies and products in Mechanical Engineering and HVAC.

With over 2,000 exhibitors, our engineers had a large amount of ground to cover, it was hard to fit it into just three days! Upon their return, Taylor and Joe were excited to share what they had learned with our team. There were so many new systems and products to talk about, we asked Joe to pick a few of his favorite:

1. Trane® – CoolSense System – Intelligent Variable Air Systems. An HVAC using chilled water to provide sensible cooling and cooling for the DOAS (Dedicated Outside Air System) system. It also uses small terminal units in the space to pick up the sensible load, using chilled water coils.
2. Metraflex – Flexible Hoses. Manufacturer of NSF (International public health standards and certifications) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) rated flexible water hoses.
3. Fulton – Boiler. A new boiler technology that allows the heat exchanger to float which eliminates stress due to thermal expansion.
4. Stamped Fittings, Inc. – Gasketed Spiral Duct. Spiral duct fittings with gaskets that eliminate the need for duct seal.
5. Trane® – Humidity Sensor. New sensor that collects temperature and relative humidity readings.

In addition to providing access to the latest products, the conference offers educational seminars. This year, Joe attended a class on DOAS (Dedicated Outside Air System) and a one on Commissioning.

Click here to read our first AHR Expo blog: 3 Benefits of Attending or to learn more about the AHR Expo, visit http://ahrexpo.com.

2017 AHR Expo – 3 Benefits of Attending

Posted on by 360 Engineering

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Here at Three Sixty Engineering, keeping up with the latest technologies in Mechanical Engineering and HVAC is high priority, which is why two of our mechanical engineers are attending the AHR Expo, a three-day conference co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI. As one (1) of Colorado’s eleven (11) certified ASHRAE High-Performance Building Design Professional’s (HBDP), our President, Denise Dihle P.E., LEED AP BD+C, HBDP, CxA, leads by example and encourages the staff to stay involved and informed.

The conference, taking place January 30, 2017 through February 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV, will host more than 2,000 exhibitors and attract crowds of 60,000 industry professionals from every state in the U.S. and 150 countries worldwide per the AHR Expo website http://ahrexpo.com. Beginning as a heating and ventilation show 85 years ago, the expo has evolved into the leading HVACR event.

Before heading to the conference, one of our Project Managers, Taylor Reese LEED AP BD+C, CxA, shared his thoughts on why the AHR Expo is important to attend.

Education
The ASHRAE Conference provides a unique opportunity to take part in courses taught by top experts in the field and industry leaders. For entry-level engineers, it presents an opportunity to dig into the fundamental topics on which they can build their knowledge. For experienced engineers, it’s a chance to dive deep into unique complex system applications, address the latest code updates, and investigate innovative energy-saving strategies.

Technology
With literally thousands of exhibitors at the AHR Expo, it’s a great place to learn about all the new technology, and really experience it hands-on. It provides an opportunity to speak with the people directly involved in developing and building the equipment.

Networking
The ASHRAE Conference and AHR Expo bring so many people in our industry together in one city. It’s rare to have a situation where everyone you’re meeting is likely related to your field and everyday work. Whether you’re sitting in a panel discussion asking questions to a major manufacturer’s CEO or having evening drinks with a fellow consulting engineer, there are bound to be little pieces of knowledge and experience you can glean from others that can be applied to the next tough project.

Our team is looking forward to meeting upon their return to hear about what’s new in the industry and how we can use new equipment and technologies to better serve our clients on current and upcoming projects.

 

Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce – 2016 Small Company of the Year Award

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Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce

Photo by InSync Photography + Design

360 Engineering is honored to have recently accepted the 2016 Small Company of the Year award from the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC).

Nominated by valued long-time client, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), candidates were judged on qualities including firm growth, vision, leadership, excellence, social responsibility, and community involvement. The nomination form cites 360’s innovative approach to project leadership and states in part, “We have found that 360 Engineering is much more than a mechanical engineering firm; they bring a strategic approach to all of our projects and keep pushing for economical and functional solutions.”

As one of the largest women’s chamber of commerce in the country, CWCC has over 400 member businesses and 1,000 individual members. Their mission is to “provide opportunities and visibility for women in business through relationship development, education, mentorship, partnership and alliances.”

What’s Happening Now?

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Thanks to all of you, we have 3 exciting pieces of news to share… and 1 big fat celebration coming up!

National Award

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named 360 Engineering as their Women-Owned Small Business of the Year. Humbled, excited, and grateful are a few of the words that come to mind. View Announcement

Website

We have redesigned our website.

Growing Office

We continue to add more staff and expanding and renovating our offices.

Big Fat Celebration

With all this excitement, how could we NOT celebrate? This fall, we’re hosting an Open House to thank all of our spectacular clients and supporters.

Watch for a SAVE the DATE coming soon!!

360 Engineering Wins Prestigious National Award from DOE

Posted on by 360 Engineering

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We are excited to share some BIG news about a huge honor.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just named 360 Engineering as FY 2015 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year.  Our founder, Denise Dihle is going to Atlanta, Georgia, to accept this prestigious award at a national ceremony and conference taking place May 23 – 25.

Given as part of the annual Small Business Awards Program, which is administered through DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), the award recognizes “the exceptional performance of a Woman-Owned small business directly contributing to the accomplishments of core DOE mission objectives and requirements.”

It’s quite an honor and really awesome to be singled out for this award. Check back soon, as we’ll share photos and more information after Denise gets back from Atlanta!

In addition to the DOE, we want to give a big shout-out to NREL’s Contract and Business Services Office and our contact Jesse Castanon, for nominating 360 Engineering. (Not to mention being such a great long-term client.)

360 Engineering Helps the Alliance Center Reduce Carbon Footprint

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2460.00 - The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado - 09In addition to a full renovation of their historic building, we are helping The Alliance Center further reduce their facility’s energy usage and their carbon footprint. The dc (direct current) project is targeting additional energy savings by eliminating AC/DC conversions and minimizing transmission losses by way of a new microgrid.

Click here to read more