ROCHESTER, NY – IBC Engineering, an engineering consulting firm specializing in innovative design building systems, recently announced it has earned an ACEC New York 2018 Engineering Excellence Gold Award for engineering design services they provided for the Pine Grove Middle School Additions and Alterations project in the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District.
Specifically, the company designed mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering systems to support an 118,000 square foot renovation and 12,000 square foot addition at the Middle School located in East Syracuse, NY. Branded as a “Greater, Greener Grove” and said to be “The School of the Future,” this project focused on fostering innovation, energy efficiency, improved air quality for increased level of cognitive function and flexibility.
To determine how to best meet the demands of 21st Century teaching methods and exceed requirements for creating a student’s optimal learning environment, IBC Engineering utilized state-of-the-art analysis tools to determine the following factors.
- Energy efficiency
- Optimum light levels
- CO2 concentrations
- Background noise
- Advanced technology systems
This helped the entire project team to better understand how energy efficiency and indoor air quality can work together. By creating positive improvements in air quality, flexible learning spaces were able to be incorporated throughout the building design. These pieces are critical to fostering student concentration and learning in ways needed to acquire the skills necessary for being successful in our changing world.
“Research has shown elements like air quality and lighting have a direct impact on one’s productivity and ability to retain information,” explained Daniel K. Fox, Partner and Director of Engineering. “This goes for both adults and children, which is why it was so critical we took the time to gather information about the existing facility from the school staff, students and the community to see what areas needed improvement prior to beginning the design process. Ultimately, I know I speak on behalf of our whole company when I say we’re grateful to be in a position where we can have a direct, lasting impact on the younger generation. With today’s world becoming faster paced and even more technology centric, it’s absolutely critical youth is enabled to learn in the most efficient way possible.”
“We’d also like to send a big thank you to the District and King + King Architects,” added Fox. “The goals of this project would not have successfully been met without their efforts.”
The ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards are presented to projects that encompass both the public and private sector in the following categories: studies, research, and consulting services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; energy; industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities; and special projects.
Each year, over 60 member firms submit projects that are judged on a rigorous set of criteria, which includes complexity, innovation and value to society. These projects are judged by a panel of industry experts, which includes military and government officials, ACEC National and International leadership, educators from college and university engineering departments, and leadership from other organizations dedicated to the built environment. Awards are distributed based on the average scores received by these judges and are assigned one of four levels (in ascending order): Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These awards and the top-rated Diamond award that is designed and built entirely within New York State will earn the Empire Award, which will be announced during the ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Gala on April 7, 2018 in New York City.
About IBC Engineering P.C.
About IBC Engineering P.C. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., IBC Engineering P.C. is an engineering consulting firm specializing in facility mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. With added focus on sustainability, energy performance, and facility operation and maintenance, IBC delivers cost-effective, high-performance building solutions to clients in the Northeast. IBC Engineering was founded in 1996 and has served many of the area’s top healthcare, education, commercial and industrial facilities.