Bala Consulting Engineers, Inc. has been a national leader in the LEED design program. "Green" building design has rapidly emerged from a novel practice to a driving force in the design and construction industry. Bala's embracement of Green technology plus our innovative approaches to implementing successful sustainable design practices has squarely placed Bala in the forefront of Green design on both the local and national scene.
LEED PIONEER AWARD
As engineer on the 1999 Armstrong World Industries headquarters building, a beta test site for the LEED rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council, Bala played an integral role in the development of LEED design standards. The Armstrong project was designed to qualify for the Silver Level award, and was given the Pioneer Award for their participation in testing the LEED rating system.
Bala used innovative building system technologies to reduce their overall lighting power consumption and HVAC energy consumption, and to comply with water conservation standards. The lighting system utilized occupancy sensors as well as exterior sunscreens, interior light shelves, and a highly reflective ceiling to maximize the use of ambient light. The direct digital control system is thoroughly integrated with the HVAC system incorporating smart logic, occupancy sensors, and a unique standby mode to further reduce the energy consumption. This unique "democratic control system" averages individual temperature requests and adjusts accordingly.
Since the headquarters project was constructed before the LEED certification system was available, Armstrong is now undertaking LEED-EB certification process and, with the help of Bala's LEED Commissioning team, applying for the Gold Certification level. The project is in the final process of submission to the USGBC.
COMMISSIONING
Bala has been providing Commissioning services long before the LEED Commissioning program was established. Using the best practices of Validation, the PDA's process for pharmaceutical and biotech facilities, Bala refined our commissioning approach to be one of the best and most experienced firms in the nation. Bala has provided LEED commissioning services for over 27 projects to date. Some of our commissioning credentials include:
1st LEED-CS Platinum building in the world: Crescent One 1st LEED Certified Building in Philadelphia: Crescent One 1st LEED-CI Version 2.0 Engineering office in the Nation o 1st LEED-CS Gold Level in Scottsdale, Arizona
1st LEED-CS Certified office building in Southern New Jersey
Bala's Director of Commissioning has served as the subject matter expert on LEED Commissioning for the USGBC.
UNIQUE GREEN DESIGN/BUILD APPROACH
Bala is among the first firms in the nation to develop-and successfully implement-the design/build approach to Green building design. Bala has teamed with Liberty Property Trust to provide a Green design/build and commissioning program to be utilized on all of their new office buildings across the country. Bala creates a 'Basis of Design' document for LEED certifiable mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems plus a LEED Scorecard for prospective trade contractors. Bala assists Liberty Property Trust in the trade contractor LEED education and LEED submission process. Paralleling this effort, Bala's Commissioning team provides the LEED Commissioning services and monitors the construction process to make sure the project meets or exceeds its LEED level goals.
Liberty Property Trust has become a great advocate and national promoter of the LEED program. Bala's approach ensures competitively priced Green office buildings. To date Liberty Property Trust has completed or is in construction of at least 8 Green buildings across the country.
LIVING THE DREAM
Another way Bala choose to showcase our commitment to sustainable design was by being the first engineering firm in the nation with a LEED-CI certified office. Using our expertise and commitment to Green building we implemented many sustainable strategies to conserve water, optimize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality and working conditions in our new office in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Bala utilized selective demolition to create the appearance of a completely new layout and reused existing building materials wherever possible. To the amazement of the contractors involved, only 1 1/2 dumpster loads of waste were produced from the project. The design process also included thorough attention to selecting sustainable materials. Refurbished office workstations with sustainable fabrics, paint selections with low VOC contents and carpet with high recycled content were selected.
Since Bala is an engineering design firm, we incorporated many Green strategies in the engineering systems as well. The HVAC system utilizes a fabric duct sock system in lieu of metal ductwork. The duct sock delivers a more even distribution of air and prevents localized drafts. Acoustically, the fabric duct is also quieter than rigid ductwork. The utilization of a fabric duct also leads to improved air quality due to its modular construction. Sections of the fabric duct can be easily removed, cleaned and replaced to keep the ductwork free of contaminants and debris.
The HVAC and lighting system are controlled and monitored by an internet-based building automation system. Bala utilized a combination of up and down lights with energy efficient fixtures and occupancy sensors in all private offices. In addition, if sufficient natural light is present the sensors will disable the automatic on function as well.
In the Men's and Women's bathrooms water conserving fixtures were utilized, along with automatic flush valves, and low flow faucets with automatic sensors. One unique fixture in the Men's bathroom is a waterless urinal.
Bala was proud to implement these sustainable elements into our new office and received certification from the USGBC in April 2006.
As an active member in the USGBC as well as the Delaware Valley chapter (DVGBC), Bala has remained integrally involved in the development of the rating system, and in turn the creation of a program for persons to become LEED Accredited Professionals. Bala's staff members have assisted in the creation of the testing materials and standards by which a person can become a LEED AP. We are frequently called upon by members of the council to offer our expertise and advise on many sustainable design issues. Our staff members have assisted in the development and clarification of the LEED-EB, and LEED-CS programs. We were also part of the committee that developed LEED specifications for the School District of Philadelphia.
Our LEED-Accredited Professionals have been presenting on LEED and sustainable design to local and national audiences since 1999. Recently, Bala presented at the 2006 USGBC's Green Build Conference in Denver, Colorado. Locally, Bala has presented at the AIA Philadelphia Chapter's Lunch and Learn program, DVGBC programs and for many companies in Greater Philadelphia Area.
Bala Consulting Engineers is very proud of our early involvement and our on-going commitment to sustainable design. We would be proud, and honored, to be considered for the Philadelphia Sustainability Award.
