Description:

You have a grand plan. You have a set of goals, objectives and target clients.

People involved:

Real estate, financial

Critical issues:

1. Who are target clients or occupants and what are their needs?
2. What are reasonable budgets and financing options?
3. What are the operating costs and how can they be managed and recovered?

We'll help you explore opportunities to outsource energy service requirements. An integrated energy management partner would own, operate, and maintain all the energy systems in the facility.

THC can also develop budgets and optimize first and operating costs. As experts in central plants and networks, we can help you decide what type of HVAC would make the best financial sense to you and provide superior comfort to your tenants.

Description:

You have the project goals in sharp focus, and the project is attractive. Now, who will constitute the team, and what process will you use to develop the project.

People involved:

Real estate, financial, architects, marketing, operations

Critical issues:

1. What is the "hook" to lease space to tenants and how do you build this into you building(s)?
2. What will your target audience demand to attract and retain tenants, and who provides this expertise?

THC focuses on developing systems that permit our clients to provide superior comfort and indoor air quality without burdening design or construction costs. THC also helps our clients develop new profit centers by offering services such as individual comfort control, real time pricing management, and proactive maintenance services over an integrated communications and control network. Understanding what the options are to enhance the profitability of the project helps develop a focus for the project, and the team, as it is assembled. See more!

Description:

Meet with the selected team to finalize project goals.

People involved:

Everyone from Form Team, and others required throughout the project.

Critical issues:

1. Does your project seem to be suffering feature bloat?
2. Does your team understand the tremendous benefits of a control network?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective means of maintaining a budget is locking features before any designing takes place. We have the experience and expertise to guide teams past obstacles which have hindered progress on other projects. Our extensive controls network experience will maximize the benefits of this relatively new means of HVAC control and optimization.

Description:

Spend a month or two developing a preliminary set of drawings.

People involved:

Engineers, architects, vendors

Critical issues:

1. Meet the requirements of all systems in a basic layout.
2. Explore all alternatives.
3. Zero in on best solutions.

A central plant and terminal equipment connected by a controls network can enable future revenue and expansion for a minimum first cost. Our experience in electrical noise and other design and operational issues will help a team minimize design rework. Having an experienced team which has seen many projects is essential in finding the best solutions for your project.

Description:

Determine exact equipment, decor, etc. for the project.

People involved:

Engineering, architects, vendors

Critical issues:

1. Are the specifications complete enough to gather pricing from vendors?
2. Can all the systems operate efficiently in concert as designed?

Our proprietary analysis and prediction software can estimate cost savings throughout the life of a building. Insufficient space allocated for maintenance can lead to untimely disruptions to operation and tenant dissatisfaction. If your detailed design seems to be plummeting out of control, our expertise makes us an ideal partner at this stage of development.

Description:

Specifications are complete and the equipment is ordered.

People involved:

Engineering, architects, vendors

Critical issues:

1. Get accurate prices from vendors that reflect future costs.
2. Value approach to procurement via Request for Proposals (RFP's).

These documents are the path to a successful building. If they are inaccurate or incomplete, the building probably won't be finished on time without expensive modifications. We have an excellent bead on available technologies and construction methods. Our value approach to RFP's ensure the building owner gets what is required now and in the future, both on time and budget.

Description:

Build the project and install the equipment.

People involved:

Engineering, architects, contractors

Critical issues:

1. Make sure the correct equipment is installed in the specified manner.
2. Has the focus of the project been compromised?

Hopefully the building owner and the team members have a strong committment to the intent of the project. Without this, the efficiencies and future revenue will probably suffer. On our projects, we have periodic team meetings at specified milestones. If the project focus seems to blur, we look at the causes and redirect the work as required.

Description:

The project is mostly complete. Ensure equipment works per design.

People involved:

Engineering, contractors, vendors

Critical issues:

1. What problems still exist in the HVAC system?
2. How can these problems be corrected?

Our experience in controls and system operation bring a total system approach to troubleshooting as a team member. If the system was well designed and the equipment installed per specifications, this should be a routine process to achieve proper flows. If maximum efficiency is to be achieved through a controls network, tweaking DDC control points and software must be completed by competent people. We write our own programs, so are intimate with this process.

Description:

The building is ready for operation and revenue generation.

People involved:

Engineering, contractors, vendors, tenant representatives, operations staff

Critical issues:

1. Train operations personal on system features and requirements.
2. Supply building owner with operations manual.

Due to an extensive use of the DDC network, our systems require a minimum amount of operator interaction. However, this does require the operations staff to be familiar with the theory of operation. An ill-advised tweak of a point could have adverse effects months later. A well-trained staff usually results in excellent efficiencies and customer satisfaction.

Description:

Verify systems operation after extended operation.

People involved:

Financiers, engineering, tenant representatives, operations staff

Critical issues:

1. Does the chiller system really meet high loads for specified KW/Ton?
2. Can the boiler system supply the required heat?
3. Are people in perimeter offices with large windows comfortable?

In a perfect world, this step wouldn't be necessary. However, unforseen circumstances or tenant upgrades can lead to unimaginable problems. Working with ASHRAE, BOMA and other standards, combined with a strong relationship with manufacturers, we help solve most system problems. Our high level of knowledge in system operation, combined with excellent analytical tools, are an asset to any team.

Description:

The project is completed and operation has been verified.

People involved:

Tenant representatives, operations staff, building owner

Critical issues:

1. Are the expected revenues occurring?
2. A poll of tenant satisfaction or suggestions can be helpful for future

Each project is probably keyed toward a particular demographic. We can take the successes to future projects and help create an even better project. Equally important are understanding features or functions which didn't seem to have the desired value. We strongly believe a working relationship built on trust and mutual respect can lead to a string of successes!