As energy conservation and greenhouse gas emission reductions become critical priorities for our clients, Loring Consulting Engineers is at the forefront with cutting-edge expertise in sustainable design and consulting. We focus on practical, high-impact solutions to ensure clients achieve measurable results that align with environmental goals and regulatory mandates. From enhancing energy efficiency to designing advanced renewable energy systems, Loring is committed to shaping a more sustainable future. Energy Modeling  Energy modeling is a key tool in our sustainability practice, enabling us to evaluate design alternatives, optimize building performance, and comply with rigorous regulatory standards. At Loring, we leverage advanced simulation software to deliver precise analyses of energy consumption, carbon emissions, thermal comfort, and cost savings. Our energy modeling expertise includes:

• Compliance Analysis: Ensuring alignment with energy performance requirements, including ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED.
• Design Optimization: Supporting owners and architects in achieving energy-efficient designs through iterative simulations of HVAC systems, envelope performance, and lighting strategies.
• Incentive Programs: Helping clients secure financial incentives through programs such as NYSERDA’s Commercial New Construction Program and utility-sponsored energy-efficiency rebates.
• Net-Zero Pathways: Developing realistic plans for achieving net-zero energy and carbon emissions through renewable energy integration and load reduction strategies.

Our energy modeling services are designed to align with project goals, whether focused on compliance, cost savings, or long-term sustainability objectives. LEED Consulting Services  At Loring, we provide comprehensive sustainability consulting services aligned with the LEED rating system, supporting clients from the pre-schematic phase through construction administration. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification program, with rating systems tailored to different project types, including Building Design and Construction (BD+C) for new construction and major renovations, and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) for interior fit-out projects. When clients opt for LEED certification, Loring serves as a trusted partner, coordinating with all trades to ensure compliance with LEED standards throughout the design and construction phases. Our expertise helps projects achieve certification at one of four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. We focus on key strategies such as:

• Sustainable Site Solutions: Minimizing environmental impact with strategies like solar-reflective roofing, stormwater management, and optimized exterior lighting.
• Water Efficiency: Implementing innovative conservation strategies and submetering systems.
• Energy Efficiency: Designing efficient HVAC systems and optimizing energy submetering to meet or exceed energy benchmarks.
• Material and Resource Management: Specifying sustainable materials and facilitating recycling practices during operations.
• Indoor Environmental Quality: Enhancing occupant comfort with low-VOC materials, thermal comfort, lighting optimization, and access to quality outdoor views.

For example, Loring has successfully managed projects in New York City requiring LEED Gold certification or higher to comply with Local Law 51 of 2023, as well as public school projects meeting the NYC Green Schools Guide standards. As the industry evolves, Loring remains at the forefront of sustainable design through ongoing research and training, including preparation for LEED v5, which emphasizes Decarbonization, Quality of Life, and Ecological Conservation and Restoration. In addition to LEED consulting, our multidisciplinary teams enhance project outcomes through complementary services such as Commissioning. Loring's dedicated Commissioning Group provides expertise in Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, as well as Enhanced Commissioning credits, ensuring that building systems are designed, installed, and functioning as intended to meet energy and performance goals. These services play a crucial role in ensuring that projects achieve optimal energy efficiency and performance. Electric Vehicle Charging Design  With the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the need for efficient, scalable, and sustainable EV charging infrastructure is rising. Loring specializes in designing EV charging stations tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. We assist in ensuring new and existing parking garages and lots comply with regulations like New York City’s Local Law 55 (LL55), which mandates the installation of EV charging stations in garages and parking lots with 10 or more spaces. Our designs ensure compliance with the LL55 deadline of 2035, preparing systems for future growth. Key considerations in EV charging station design include:

• Location: Strategically positioning chargers to maximize accessibility and traffic flow.
• Power Supply & Load Management: Ensuring reliable power with appropriate grid connections and smart load-balancing systems.
• Scalability: Designing systems to accommodate future demand and evolving technologies.

PV Solar Design  Loring designs photovoltaic (PV) solar systems to help clients achieve energy independence, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. Whether transitioning to renewable energy or enhancing green initiatives, our PV solutions are customized to meet specific energy needs. The benefits of solar energy include:

• Cost Efficiency: Long-term savings through reduced energy consumption.
• Sustainability: Lower carbon footprint and environmental impact.
• Reliability: Consistent energy generation with optional backup systems.
• Versatility: Scalable solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

We conduct thorough feasibility assessments, including evaluations of the electrical distribution system, roof space, and structural integrity. Our team works with structural engineers to ensure the roof can support the system. Battery Energy Storage Solutions  As renewable energy adoption grows, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for ensuring consistent power supply and grid stability. Loring specializes in designing efficient and scalable BESS solutions tailored to your project's unique needs. Our services include feasibility studies and electrical load calculations, ensuring that every solution is practical and aligned with project goals. With extensive knowledge of the regulatory landscape surrounding battery storage, we guide clients through compliance requirements with confidence. When analyzing buildings for solar PV feasibility, we often recommend battery storage as an additional feature to optimize energy generation and consumption. Key benefits of BESS include:

• Cost Savings: Store electricity during low-demand periods and use it during peak periods to minimize demand charges.
• Enhanced Reliability: Provide uninterrupted power during outages.
• Renewable Integration: Capture and store excess energy for later use.

Summary At Loring Consulting Engineers, we are committed to leading the way in sustainable design by delivering innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed regulatory standards. Our comprehensive approach – spanning energy modeling, LEED certification, commissioning, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure design – ensures that every project achieves exceptional energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. By applying cutting-edge technologies and strategies, we help our clients reduce their environmental footprint while maximizing value. Together, we are driving the transition toward a greener, more resilient future for generations to come. Contact Information Kalpak Karule is a Principal and Edgar Arevalo is an Associate in the New York office.  

This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to their group/Loring over the last 12 months. The incumbent embodies what it means to be “Loring Proud.” They have contributed to the improvement of the workforce culture, improvement of a system or process, they are solution oriented, a problem solver, and helpful to staff and external parties with whom they interact.

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This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to their group/Loring over the last 12 months.  Criteria

• Must be a full-time employee,
• Employed for at least one year
• Must have their PE. 

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Projects were evaluated and ranked for engineering excellence judging on:​

• Technical merit​
• Innovative solutions & technologies used​
• Success/recognition- inside and outside of Loring​
• Client satisfaction/Community Giveback​
• Financial Performance

 

We're thrilled to announce that our very own J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP, CPD has been named 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year by Plumbing & Mechanical! This prestigious honor is a testament to Michael's dedication, expertise, and the lasting impact he's made in our industry. At Loring, Michael’s innovative approach and leadership have driven remarkable results, setting the standard in mechanical engineering. This award shines a spotlight on his commitment to excellence and to the values we all hold high at Loring. Congratulations, Michael, on this well-deserved recognition! Here's a link to the full article: Plumbing & Mechanical names J. Michael Galway 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year

Please join us in congratulating Cathy Chang, P.E., on her promotion to Principal. Cathy joined Loring in 2022 as Vice President, Technical Director of Mechanical Systems. She will retain her position as Technical Director, overseeing the firm’s mechanical design projects and supporting the 90-plus engineers in the department.

Cathy’s background is in the design and management of highly complex projects in the higher education, healthcare, cultural, sports and entertainment, and government sectors. Her portfolio notably includes work on U.S. embassies in Mexico City and New Delhi. At Loring, she sets and institutes mechanical engineering standards and best practices, ensures quality control, and consults on design concept development and technical execution for each project. Establishing herself as one of the firm’s most valuable educators and mentors, Cathy presents regularly on technical topics firmwide. She recruits, develops and runs the onboarding training program for interns, and has taken ownership of an intensive 6-week training program for engineers in Loring’s nascent Jamaican office. She is also very active in the firm’s WELL resource group (Women Elevating and Leading League), a Loring initiative for female employees to develop empowerment skills and to advance their presence within the firm. “Cathy has proven to be an extremely valuable asset to the Loring team. Her expertise and passion to pay it forward elevates the entire mechanical department and ensures our clients receive the highest-level deliverables. She’s an excellent ambassador for the firm, and we are delighted to recognize her with this promotion,” says CEO Oneil Gayle.  

Loring Consulting Engineers announces the opening of a new office in Houston, TX. Industry expert Stephanie Elliott, PE, LEED AP, BD+C, joins the firm as Vice President, Houston Office Leader. Located in the Energy Tower on Katy Freeway, Loring’s Houston office offers a full range of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection/ Life Safety, Technology, Energy, and Commissioning services to the region’s thriving aviation, healthcare, and commercial sectors, among all building types. Loring has successfully completed 31 projects in Texas over the past five years, including energy and sustainability services at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. While not new to the market, the permanent base provides clients with the immediacy of a nimble and highly experienced local engineering team. For Stephanie Elliott, a native Texan and former Director of Engineering Services at a large international engineering services firm, taking the lead for Loring’s Houston office represents a return to her MEP roots. She began her 17-year career as an electrical engineer, and has built up a significant portfolio in the aviation industry, heading up projects at major airports around the world and at home, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Concourse, JAX, JFK, LAX and Midway.

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"I’m thrilled to support Loring’s impressive growth by establishing a strong presence in Texas, enhancing the premier design and commissioning work already underway by Loring in the state. By combining Loring’s agility with my 11 years of experience at a leading global engineering consulting firm and 17 years in the industry, we’re poised to collaborate with clients and architects to deliver innovative and engaging projects across Texas,” says Stephanie.

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In addition to her aviation terminal design expertise, Stephanie has experience in systems design for convention centers, data centers, federal office buildings, high-rise office towers, hospitality, manufacturing, and numerous other facilities. She has hands-on, in-depth experience in construction management, design contract management, and program development. “We are delighted to welcome Stephanie on board as head of our new Houston office. She brings key management experience, leadership skills, high-level technical expertise, and deep market knowledge to Loring’s first location in the Southwest. We look forward to our expanded prospects in the region,” says CEO Oneil Gayle.  

We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our leadership team: Patrick Green and Demetrios Plessias, both of whom have joined Loring as Technical Directors. Patrick Green, PE brings over 25 years of expertise in mechanical systems design and construction administration. His experiences have included commercial, hospitality, retail, academic, and government projects. A LEED-accredited professional, Patrick excels in integrating sustainable design concepts and will lead our mechanical design teams through all project phases, ensuring Loring’s committed level of quality and client satisfaction. Demetrios Plessias, PE, with over 24 years in electrical engineering systems design, is the newest addition to our electrical leadership. His broad experience in electrical solutions and passion for innovation will be a valuable asset to the firm. Demetrios’ skills in communication, teamwork, and organization will be instrumental as he takes on new challenges and opportunities with Loring. Please join us in welcoming Patrick and Demetrios to the Loring family! We are excited to see the impact they will make.  

As the world struggles to reduce our impact on the environment, Loring leads the way by designing and implementing strategies to utilize renewable energy sources and reduce the carbon footprint where we live and work. New codes and standards assist our efforts by pushing owners, utility companies, institutions, and city agencies to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Loring is working with our clients to study, design, and implement electrification and decarbonization strategies for new and existing buildings and campuses. Codes and Standards Many states and cities in the USA have begun implementing plans to reduce their carbon emissions. For example, New York City’s 80x50 initiative is an aggressive plan to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 from a 2005 baseline. In 2016, buildings alone contributed approximately 67% of New York City’s emissions. These emissions must be curtailed significantly in the years to come to achieve the city’s 80x50 goals. One catalyst to encourage owners to reduce the carbon output in buildings is through Local Law 97, which imposes a fine on buildings that exceed their allowable tons of carbon emissions on an annual basis. The Local Law increasingly lowers the allowable carbon emission thresholds over time to compel owners to develop long term strategies to lower carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing or eliminating penalties. Loring aids our clients by researching incentives available through federal, state and local governments, and local utility companies and by helping property owners make the transition to an electrified building less expensive and more desirable. Loring works in conjunction with our clients to develop a cost effective and workable strategies to electrify their space, building, or portfolio. Selecting Electrification Equipment There are many different electrified systems and there are multiple factors that must be considered when choosing the best system for a building. For example, apartment buildings typically have an air conditioning system that serves each apartment with individual controls and separate metering. In these instances, a packaged terminal heat pump (PTHP) or a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system are great options. For other larger, commercial and institutional buildings, a centralized system may be more appropriate.  A centralized plant typically provides chilled and hot water throughout the building to terminal units which provide the heating and cooling. Both the hot and chilled water in the building is provided by heat pumps capable of switching between either the heating or cooling modes depending on the building loads. These heat pump systems can either be water or air cooled. Air-Cooled Heat Pumps are the most common, but when the building sits on a larger site, a geothermal loop can be considered, and a Water-Cooled Heat pump can provide heating and cooling in a more sustainable and less energy consuming way. Comparing Utility Costs and Emissions In many areas of the country, it costs more to produce the same amount of heat using an electrified system than it does to utilize a traditional gas system. For this reason, it is very important to utilize an efficient electrified system. Using electric resistance heating can be two to four times more costly than using a comparable heat pump system, depending on the heat pump’s efficiency. The chart below shows a comparison of difference in energy cost and CO2 emissions, depending on the utility rates (per therm of heating output). In regions where the electric grid is expected to become fully decarbonized in the future, buildings with electrified systems will see a decreasing carbon footprint, ultimately achieving net-zero carbon performance. It is this future expectation that underscores the importance of adopting efficient electrified systems today to significantly reduce building emissions in the long term. Summary The world needs solutions to reduce our reliance on natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to move toward a more sustainable future. Loring Consulting Engineers is incorporating sustainable solutions into the built and living environments without compromising building performance and tenant comfort. We are partnering with other leaders in decarbonization and electrification to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster engineering solutions that promote environmental stewardship. Authors Miguel Gaspar is a Principal and Lucas Smilios is an Associate at the New York office.

We are thrilled to announce that Loring has received the IFMA New York City Chapter 2023 Award for Design & Construction of a New Facility (Above 100,000 sq. ft.) for our work on Roku 5 Times Square. We're honored by this recognition and proud of our team's dedication and innovation! Photo Credit: © Colin Miller. All rights reserved.    

The Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) has recognized Connecticut Gaylord Hospital – Milne / Jackson Ground Integrative Center For Education, Research & Innovation project for 1st Place – Healthcare, as demonstrating extraordinary collaboration with a remarkable, top-quality result. Architect: Pomarico Design Studio Architecture Construction Manager: Wohlsen Construction

In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, energy master planning is essential for organizations aiming to reduce energy consumption and decarbonize their facilities. Loring’s Energy Services Group is dedicated to guiding clients through this crucial process, offering comprehensive planning and design solutions that align with both current and future energy needs. Understanding Energy Master Planning Energy master planning involves a strategic approach to managing energy use, optimizing efficiency, and integrating renewable sources. This process supports environmental goals while enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Our team at Loring is equipped to help organizations navigate energy planning complexities, ensuring informed decisions for sustainable outcomes. Our Approach At Loring, we follow a structured approach to energy master planning, which includes:

• Assessment: Conducting a thorough evaluation of current energy usage and infrastructure to identify improvement opportunities.
• Establishing Goals: Collaborating with clients to set clear and achievable goals for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Infrastructure Evaluation: Assessing electrification options and energy-efficient technologies, along with renewable energy integration, to meet goals effectively.
• Lifecycle Cost Assessment and Carbon Assessment: Evaluating the comprehensive lifecycle costs and carbon impact of proposed solutions.
• Scope of Work and Phasing: Developing tailored work scopes and phasing plans aligned with organizational needs and priorities.
• Energy Tariffs and Legislation: Guiding clients through the complexities of energy tariffs, legislation on carbon penalties, and available incentives or rebates. Our deep understanding of these factors helps in navigating the regulatory landscape and capitalizing on financial opportunities.
• Implementation Planning: Providing support throughout implementation to ensure plan execution is smooth.
• Measurement and Verification: Implementing robust protocols to monitor energy performance continually and verify solution effectiveness.

Benefits of Energy Master Planning

• Cost Reduction: Optimizing energy use lowers utility expenses and building operations costs significantly.
• Decarbonization: Transitioning to electrification and renewables reduces emissions, supporting global sustainability goals by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of clean energy sources.
• Regulatory Compliance: Our solutions ensure compliance with energy use and emission regulations.
• Enhanced Resilience: Master planning increases facility resilience against energy price volatility and supply disruptions. Additionally, it helps avoid or minimize carbon penalties in markets that penalize buildings for excessive carbon emissions.
• Specialized Expertise: Entrusting your energy planning to specialists in energy management ensures that all aspects, from technical details to regulatory and financial intricacies, are expertly handled.

Case Studies and Success Stories Our portfolio includes diverse and successful energy master planning projects, ranging from healthcare facilities and academic institutions to public buildings. We cover a spectrum of project types, from single building endeavors to campus-wide and portfolio-wide initiatives. Savings goals range from deep carbon reductions to achieving complete net-zero performance. Loring is proud to have received an ACEC NY Platinum Award for the “Clean Energy Master Plan for SUNY Downstate.” This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in energy master planning and our ability to deliver impactful, sustainable solutions. Get in Touch Contact Loring’s Energy Services Group today for tailored energy master planning solutions. Together, we’ll create a sustainable energy future for your organization. Contact Information Kalpak Karule, Principal for the Energy Services Group Phone: 646-674-6176 Email: kkarule@loringengineers.com