Andrew Tarvin

 Michael D. Roberts, PE, SASHE, CHFM,  SrHE

NCHEA Energy to Care & Sustainability

ASHE Region 3 Representative

Greg Turner, PE, Charlotte Engineers LLP

Jackson Stocksdale PE, Charlotte Engineers LLP

David Noakes PE, Climate Systems LLC 

Jimmy Peebles, PE - Atrium Health

This presentation will cover major considerations and issues faced when replacing air handling equipment within active hospital settings. Hospitals are rather unique in that most portions of the building are rarely unoccupied, and operations must be maintained 24/7. However, there are strategies that can be implemented to minimize disruption, maintain operations and ensure patient safety.

During this presentation we plan to present strategies used on previous and current projects to accomplish a successful air handling unit replacement with an occupied hospital. We plan to highlight various types of air handling construction that can each lend themselves to replacement options. Use of temporary air handling units and their need for specialty air filtration also plans to be covered.

Collaboration of the project team is essential to a successful project. We plan to discuss the roles of each team member (design team, contractors and owner) to make these projects progress without issue. In this portion of the presentation, we’ll also discuss inclusion of regulatory authorities (AHJ and DHSR) to make sure they are in step with the replacement schedule.

Patient, staff and visitor safety are of paramount importance. A risk assessment (including an ICRA plan) for the project will need to be completed with input from all parties to ensure a safe project.

Infection prevention will be a key component for the project and examples of key points to consider will be discussed.

Finally, the presentation will close with examples of projects where these components have been implemented to successfully replace air handling units within hospital settings. We plan to highlight the different air handling construction methods stated previously, examples of the types of spaces these units served and what measures were implemented to ensure safety.

Four Measurable Learning Outcomes-

1) Ideas of what types of strategies can be implemented to maintain airflow to patient care areas and to minimize downtime for an air handling unit replacement project.

2) Knowing what steps are required to plan a successful air handling unit replacement project.

3) The safety measures that need to be considered to ensure patient, staff and visitor safety.

4) Seeing real world examples of these processes in place to show that these processes can be successful.

Josh Andersen, PE, CHC, Sr. PM Dewberry, 

Dan Powers, Project Director, Danis Construction, 

Dane Ferrell, PE CEM LEED AP O+M, Zone Energy Services Manager, SIEMENS Industry

Justin Howe, Project Manager Carolina Cat/Gregory Poole

There are many components for successfully planning and implementing Central Energy Plant Upgrades and Replacements. This expert multi-discipline panel discussion will share valuable lessons learned in executing multiple projects of this type. 

Items covered include these 4 measurable learning outcomes: 

1. System Design: Safety, Initial Study and Planning, Key Areas of Importance, Long Lead Items, Planning for Future Expansion, etc. 

2. Signs of Trouble: When it is time to replace 

3. Planning, Implementation and coordination, coordination, coordination! 

4. Closeout: System checks and turnover to the owner

Joshua Anderson PE CHC 

Joshua is a mechanical engineer in Dewberry’s MEP Healthcare group with more than 15 years of experience in HVAC, plumbing, and medical gas design for healthcare facilities. He has successfully completed studies/facility assessments, master plans, complex expansions/renovations, new construction and campus central plants for hospital and healthcare designs. Joshua has designed various types of energy-efficient mechanical systems that have help earn LEED certified classifications and Energy Star certifications. He is an active member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), the Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP), and the North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association (NCHEA).

Dan Powers

Dan is a construction professional who brings more than 15 years of experience specializing on facilities with extremely complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. He has completed MEP projects for clients in the healthcare, life science, data center, and higher ed spaces. Multiple projects directed by Dan have been recognized by International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering’s (ISPE) Facility of the Year Awards.

 Dane Ferrell

Dane is the Zone Energy Services Manager for the Southeast US, where he directs and manages the business and a team of Energy Engineers who support the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and ongoing energy services. Dane has over 18 years of experience in Energy Management and the HVAC Industry. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and certifications as a Professional Engineer, Certified Energy Manager and LEED AP O+M. 

He has held roles as Energy Engineer and Project Developer, where he provided technical energy analysis and developed chilled water system optimization projects for healthcare facilities. He has successfully completed the implementation, commissioning, and ongoing analytical support for central plant upgrades, expansions, and new construction. Dane is based out of Raleigh, NC.

 Justin Howe

Justin Howe is an Application Engineer covering North and South Carolina for Gregory Poole, Carolina and Blanchard CAT.  In this role, Justin supports the design community on power generation projects focusing on sound and sustainable design. Justin grew up in a family electrical contracting business obtaining his master electrician license, followed by an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of South Carolina. He has over 13 years of Caterpillar switchgear and generator experience along with a lifetime of electrical hands-on experience.  Likely wearing a CAT or Gamecock hat you will find Justin in the outdoors, operating a family cattle farm in Newberry SC or coaching his sons in baseball.

Jean Lee Pirkey AIA NCARB LEED GA, HCM

Brian Kuebler AIA, HCM

Lee Ann Vogel PE LEED AP BD+C, Syska Hennessy Group

The presentation will explore a comprehensive list of variables impacting the cost, schedule, and performance of imaging projects. We will explain the challenges and opportunities of these imaging projects along with the practical impacts to the built environment and proven project management approaches to achieve project success. Through analysis of past projects, this presentation will analyze imaging locations, classifications, and modalities and explore the impact of each variable on the code requirements, construction conditions, and construction process.

In today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, hospitals and healthcare systems face the constant need to upgrade imaging equipment, renovate existing imaging spaces, and/or add new imaging departments to keep up with the current technology for faster, less invasive, and more accurate patient diagnosis and treatment.

The presentation will explore a comprehensive list of variables impacting the cost, schedule, and performance of imaging projects. We will explain the challenges and opportunities of these imaging projects along with the practical impacts to the built environment and proven project management approaches to achieve project success. Through analysis of past projects, this presentation will analyze imaging locations, classifications, and modalities and explore the impact of each variable on the code requirements, construction conditions, and construction process. 

Discussion will identify how to properly incorporate essential information from vendor drawings into the construction documents to support the required installation specifications and avoid negative impacts to budget or schedule. Similarly, the proper planning of an imaging project must address associated equipment, such as supply cabinets, specialized carts, and boom configurations that may not be specified by the equipment manufacturer. Early project planning and budgeting must account for these items to complete the space fully while maintaining the established project budget.

Using a customized comparison tool, this presentation will explore the code requirements and construction implications of different sites of care, imaging room classification, and imaging modalities. We will also discuss specific design considerations, including surfaces and finishes, clearances and room sizes, access and support space, room construction, engineering requirements, equipment coordination, and doors, among others.

Learning Objectives

1. Utilize a decision matrix to evaluate imaging room elements and determine code requirements and construction implications of the design 

2. Analyze multiple project variables to determine applicable code requirements

3. Incorporate vendor documents properly to maintain budget and schedule

4. Compare the engineering systems required to support a wide range of imaging projects

Migena Dilolli

Gep Pond

Jesse Kinsey

Michael Killian

Andy Cyr CHC

This presentation will speak to the process of integrating prefabricated exterior panels in a collaborative project delivery method. Through case study examination, we will discuss design opportunities and challenges using Roper Saint Francis – Berkeley hospital, a project that is currently utilizing prefab panels as a solution. The presentation will discuss opportunities that allow the AEC industry to be better prepared for a manufacturing future in architecture. To close we will touch on what a more mature prefabricated process looks like in the factory, how prefabrication benefits and challenges Enclosure design, what technology is critical when designing and executing pre-fab exteriors, and overall pre-fabs effect in the construction industry.

Migena Dilolli, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA – Associate Principal, Hord Coplan Macht

Migena is a Design Principal in HCM’s healthcare market sector with over 18 years of experience leading clients and design teams to create compelling designs of programmatically intensive projects that are contextually driven and improve user experience.

Migena’s experience includes healthcare & mixed-use projects, as well as critical facilities and office buildings. She believes in a health-centered approach to every design decision by elevating the role of the project stakeholders in the design-process, resulting in an environment that is rooted in the client’s culture, community while promoting sustainable design practices, health & wellness.

Throughout her career, Migena’s projects have won awards at the Healthcare Design Showcase as well as recognition awards for craftsmanship and innovation.

Migena is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is LEED GA as well as WELL AP. She earned her Master of Architecture from Syracuse University and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from University of Texas at Arlington.

Gep Pond - Principal, Hord Coplan Macht

George “Gep” Pond is a Principal in the Hord Coplan Macht - Charlotte office. Gep has over 25 years of experience with institutional, educational, and commercial projects.

Gep earned his Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is LEED certified. He enjoys working at the intersection of building and technology and is the former Chair of the Charlotte AIA TAP Committee (Technology in Architectural Practice).

His project experience includes the New Advanced Technology Center at Central Piedmont Community College, Student Union at UNC Charlotte and Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.

Jesse Kinsley

Jesse Kinsley is a NC native, an Appalachian State Alum with a degree in Building Science and since 2021 has been the Building Envelope Manager at Rodgers Builders Inc. Prior to his career at Rodgers, Jesse worked as an Enclosure Consultant in Seattle, helping bring solutions to complex enclosure projects both national and international. In Jesse’s current role, he is responsible for the comprehensive analysis of the building enclosure system during design and construction. Jesse works with project teams to ensure our enclosures are the most resilient systems we can offer. His joy of growing the knowledge base and true design collaboration has been shared through various past presentations for BEC, AIA, NCBPA, and private trainings.

His current workload focuses on Pre-Fabricated Exterior Facades, Complex Curtainwall design assist and construction, and BECx strategy and execution.

Andrew Patterson - Fire Protection Associate, Senez Consulting Inc. 

This comprehensive training program addresses the vital issue of fire safety in operating rooms, where approximately 90-100 surgical fires occur annually. Given that patients are often high-acuity, under anesthesia, and unable to move, it is crucial for clinical and Engineering/Facilities staff to collaborate effectively during emergencies.

Participants will delve into the intricacies of surgical fire incidents, examining regulatory requirements for staff training and drills. They will learn to identify potential risks, implement prevention strategies, and grasp emergency response protocols, including the specific roles and responsibilities during a fire event.

The training will cover essential patient evacuation procedures, highlighting the critical decision-making process regarding when to shelter in place versus when evacuation is necessary. Attendees will also receive guidance on the correct selection and use of fire extinguishers, focusing on the appropriate types and timing for use in the operating room environment.

Furthermore, the program will address the management of medical gas during a fire, underscoring the dangers associated with prematurely closing shutoff valves. By fostering improved communication and coordination between clinical and engineering staff, this training aims to enhance safety protocols and safeguard patient well-being during surgical fire incidents.

Learning Objectives:

Understand Emergency Response Protocols: Participants will become familiar with specific emergency response procedures for surgical fires, including the distinct roles and responsibilities of both perioperative and Engineering/Facilities staff during a fire incident.

Coordinate Interdepartmental 

Communication: Attendees will learn the importance of communication and collaboration between clinical staff and Engineering/Facilities personnel during fire emergencies, ensuring a unified and efficient response to protect patient safety.

Patient Evacuation Procedures: Participants will master the appropriate evacuation protocols for high-acuity surgical patients, emphasizing the critical distinctions between when to shelter in place and when evacuation is warranted.

Utilize Fire Extinguishing Equipment Safely: Staff will receive training on the proper selection and use of fire extinguishers in the operating room, focusing on identifying the correct type of extinguisher and its effective deployment during a fire emergency specific to this environment.

Nicholas Tribble, SKA Consulting Engineers.

This course will assist designers, facility managers, and contractors with identifying the requirements and parameters of an effective cladding water management system. This course  will also review the most available field-testing standards for fenestration and provide practical  considerations for the design, specification, and administration of field-testing programs.  Learning Objective 1:  Understand the necessity of properly designed and installed fenestration flashing systems and  review of the most widely used flashing materials  Learning Objective 2:  Understand the value of mock-ups and review actual field conditions that could be avoided  Learning Objective 3:  Understand the appropriate field-testing procedures Learning Objective 4:  Learn how to specify an effective field-testing program Review practical considerations for an  effective field-testing program with project examples  

Nicholas Tribble

 Nicholas Tribble is a Building Enclosure Consultant and Client Relationship Manager who has been with SKA since 2001. His primary responsibilities include multiple phases of planning, design, testing and project management of building enclosure and roofing repair projects.  Most of his career has been spent on a project site from the investigation  phase through the completion of the construction process. Nicholas is the current Region II Director of IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants), a certified IIBEC registered Roof Observer and NACE Concrete Coating Inspector II.