NIST – Steam and Chilled Water Study

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates in two central locations, Gaithersburg, Maryland and Boulder, Colorado. For (3) buildings on the Boulder campus, NIST awarded 360 Engineering a contract to conduct a study of steam and chilled water. As the prime consultant, 360 Engineering made on-site assessments of the steam piping and chilled water piping to determine the condition of piping in Buildings 1, 2, and 24. Each is a multi-story building consisting of private offices and laboratory spaces.

These buildings, constructed between 1950 and 1965, had undergone some recent renovations, though many of the building systems dated back to the original construction and were operating past life expectancy. Based on the field assessments, 360 Engineering compiled a report, detailing all piping conditions and recommendations on the need for replacement.

Project challenges included mapping out entire steam and chilled water systems without full sets of as-built drawings, and determining how the systems operated by piecing together select information from several drawing sets and site surveys.

Location

Boulder, Colorado

Client

NIST

Category

Federal

Health/Laboratory

I’ve worked with 360 Engineering for nearly a decade. They have been exceptional at listening to our concerns and desires to provide an end product that works best for each situation. From my experience, engineers often believe there is only one way to do business and only one solution to every problem. In reality, the solutions available are vast, and you need an engineer that can identify goals and challenges, evaluate solutions both in terms of viability and cost, and make sure at the end of the day the system that is installed is what you paid for. 360 Engineering exceeds the mark on all fronts.

- Adam Snyder, Executive Vice President – FirstBank Holding Company

From in depth initial assessments of systems, to troubleshooting, to caring about the quality and effectiveness of the contractor’s end user trainings, 360 Engineering is a cohesive team player. Denise leads her team by emphasizing “the big picture” and customizes the solutions proposed for each project to suit the particular needs of the building, the occupants and those charged with maintaining the systems. Their common sense approach to engineering, while providing innovative and efficient solutions, has made them our preferred mechanical engineering firm.

- Elizabeth Hallas, Principal – Anderson Hallas Architects, P.C.

I rely on 360 Engineering to get the job done right, and on schedule. They have not let me down. They adapt to meet our clients’ needs and are always quick to respond.

- Mike Sickbert, Architect/Owner – Sickbert & Associates

The engineers were outstanding in their interest and attention to my concerns during our very productive meeting on location last summer. Our exchanges during that meeting were the best and most productive I have experienced in any of the previous projects I have been involved in. I believe many of our common concerns were resolved in the course of that meeting.

- Steve Fuller, Xanterra Parks & Resorts – Yellowstone National Park

360 Engineering, Inc. took additional effort necessary to include building system owners, operator in alternative assessment, evaluative process at all phases. Participation from system owners, operators far exceeded historic input due to their trust and comfort of 360 Engineering.

- Mark L. Kougl, PE, Rocky Mountain National Park – Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Over the course of two major projects, Denise Dihle and 360 Engineering have provided the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado not only with state of the art mechanical engineering, but also Denise and her team have brought a commitment to inquiry, innovation, and creative problem solving to the considerable challenges of setting new standards for sustainability in our historic flagship building. Denise leads a team that is committed to excellence where combining engineering solutions with advances in the technological breakthroughs is the norm. To find a mechanical engineering firm that is a leading force in advancing sustainable building systems to design for a better future for the planet on a cost effective basis is remarkable. Congratulations to Denise and 360 Engineering for making the world a more sustainable and habitable place.

- Sandra Vanderstoep, DC Project Director – Alliance for Sustainable Colorado

Big Bend National Park has benefitted greatly from using the A&E services provided by 360 and AE Design. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities and product provided in the recent projects at Big Bend National Park. We would definitely recommend.

- Linda A. Richards, Chief of Maintenance – Big Bend National Park

360 Engineering Inc. is a cutting edge progressive woman-owned small business that is on board with NREL/DOE’s mission of sustainable energy being the wave of the future.

- Jesse Castanon, Sr, Subcontract Administrator – National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

I’ve worked with 360 Engineering on a variety of projects ranging from building assessments to HVAC system upgrades and laboratory renovations.

The majority of my work is on existing buildings and they take the time to understand the existing systems. I can count on them to provide my clients with well thought-out solutions.

- Bret Johnson, AIA – Bret Johnson Architecture

I wanted to let you know how impressed I’ve been with the 360 team on Douglas County High School. Joe and Taylor have been great to work with. They’ve made the complex Mechanical and Plumbing scope seem easy – which has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. As you know, as a prime, having the confidence and trust that your team will handle their business is such a relief!

- Max McCloskey, Associate/Architect – F&M Architects

When the design team came in, our management team at DEVA had changed scope from the design team’s expectations. They had initially planned 17 compressor units in various locations, and the morning we started the VA/CBA process, our DEVA team asked if we would be able to plan based on a chiller / campus-wide HVAC scenario. I watched the excitement start, and the wheels turn, and we were off to the races! Two days later, we had the system designed, at least conceptually. It was a great experience!

- Patrick Pollard, Building & Grounds Supervisor – NPS Death Valley National Park Scotty’s Castle

I have personally worked with their firm for respective services [professional mechanical engineering] and they have provided a quality level of engineering with the knowledge and experience in the industry. Their team has also been responsive on collaboration and dedicated to achieving the goals required of the projects. I would recommend 360 Engineering, Inc. for prospective needs on Mechanical Engineering design services.

- Rob Klap, Principal – Wong Strauch Architects

I would like to thank you (and please thank your staff as well) for your efforts and for truly being a partner in the successful delivery of this project. Ultimately, we do these to provide a valued service to the community! I have no doubt that UPS Monument Service Providers will have the tools to do so!

- Sergio Enriquez – UPS West Region B&SE Project Manager