Recent Projects
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Merit Reviews
We provided support for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) CPRG merit reviews. We performed reviews of competitive grant applications submitted by states and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) under Phase 2 of the CPRG program. Our staff served as technical and general reviewers. They participated in review panels under the direction of a team leader for day-to-day technical activities and under the direction of the panel chair during submission, review, and finalization of the reviewers’ scores during the competition phase.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Energy Audit Services
IHS hired us to conduct an ASHRAE Level III audit of Parker Indian Health Center (PIHC, Parker, Hospital), an 86,000 square feet facility, and develop energy conservation measure (ECM) recommendations. We conducted an onsite assessment of the building including lighting, heating, cooling, building envelope, hot water heating, appliances, processes, controls and electrical systems. We performed load calculations for each room in the entire building, and input data into Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) for existing building. We calculated the Energy Use Intensity (EUI), and current Energy Star Score to benchmark this data against energy use of similar buildings and systems.
We developed and submitted a report that defined the existing systems, provided heating and cooling load calculations, and included ECM recommendations for the different systems to maximize energy efficiency, including recommendations and options for a new, fully redundant cooling and heating system.
Women Entrepreneurs in STEM Research
We researched female entrepreneurs in STEM and STEM-adjacent industries (Women in STEM) for the National Women's Business Council (NWBC).
As part of this research, we performed the following activities:
- Conducted a literature survey to understand existing research
- Examined the challenges facing Women in STEM
- Studied best practices for their success
- Analyzed the impact of the pandemic on women entrepreneurs
- Conducted an analysis of STEM businesses using U.S. Census data
- Reviewed existing policies/programs that impact female STEM entrepreneurs
- Developed policy recommendations
Past Projects
Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG) Energy Audits
In 2020, we conducted Energy Audits (EAs) that conformed to ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit standards for the OHARNG. The audits were performed at sixteen (16) designated facilities, together comprising approximately 1.046M square feet. We visited each site and developed a comprehensive report that examined key metrics and data for each audited facility, including descriptions of each building, its energy and water systems, and energy and water usage. We benchmarked each site with similar facilities, identified ECMs, water conservation measures (WCMs) and developed an LCCA for each ECM/WCM to show the most cost-effective option amongst competing alternatives.
Army National Guard (ARNG) Sustainability Support
As the prime contractor, we were responsible for supporting the Army National Guard (“ARNG”) Directorate and state National Guards’ (“NGs”) sustainability efforts. This involved providing assistance for the development of a comprehensive program to effectively and efficiently implement Executive Orders (EOs) such as EO 13514 and EO 13693, Department of Defense (“DOD”), Army and ARNG policies and guidance and meet ARNG Readiness, Recruiting and Retention requirements. We provided assistance with ARNG sustainability initiatives and communication efforts onsite, through guidance on energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste minimization efforts at the National Guard Bureau (NGB) and state NG levels.
NASA Economic Impact Analysis Services
We estimated the economic effects of NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) within their respective regions, the Commonwealth of Virginia and nationwide for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. This estimation supported LaRC in the development of the economic impact section for the 2016 and 2017 Annual Reports.
We estimated the direct, indirect, induced and total economic impacts of the two field centers. We modeled the spending information for the two centers to estimate the economic and employment impacts of the LaRC nationwide, statewide and in Hampton Roads and the nationwide and statewide impact of WFF. We summed LaRC and WFF impacts to estimate the combined effects.