Song Zhang Ph.D, PE, LEED BD+C

How do we drive sustainability in future engineering projects? 🌱🚗 In this week’s episode of The Engineering Project Management Podcast, host Matthew Douglas discussed sustainability and public transportation with guest Erica Antoine, PE, Project Manager at Burns Engineering, Inc. They explored the challenges and advancements in zero-emission public transportation and how project management is crucial in driving sustainability in transit projects. Tune in to drive down the road to a sustainable future with us 🚦 https://bit.ly/TEPMEp047Y How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your engineering projects? Share with us in the comments ⬇️ #Enginner #engineering #Sustaibility #ZeroEmission #PublicTransportation

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Department of Energy (DOE) Boosts Energy Efficiency in Building Codes Across the U.S.! The DOE is allocating significant new funding to support the adoption and implementation of energy-efficient building codes nationwide. Through this initiative, 25 new projects will be launched, aiming to lower energy consumption, reduce utility bills, and curb greenhouse gas emissions. The effort is part of the $225 million Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) initiative, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding underscores the growing commitment to sustainable building practices, ensuring that new and existing structures meet the latest standards in energy efficiency. #EnergyEfficiency #Sustainability #BuildingCodes #CleanEnergy #DOE

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With aging buildings and infrastructure under increasing pressure from climate change, structural engineers are raising concerns. In a new interview, NCSEA President Chris Cerino emphasizes the need for proper maintenance and funding. Dive into the survey results and understand the challenges ahead. 🚧Read the Construction Dive article: https://lnkd.in/gxZXqNXP 📊See the survey results: https://lnkd.in/gJw-jVCT

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Argonne Assembles Electric Vehicle Experts to Create Better Experiences at Charging Stations🔋🔌🚗 The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory is leading a task force to ensure electric vehicle (EV) charging technology works seamlessly. Here’s what we’re focusing on: 1. Objective of the Task Force: - Ensuring interoperability among all components involved in EV charging, such as charging stations, payment systems, and vehicles. 2. Vehicle Grid Integration: - Integrating the transportation system with grid operators and utility systems, paving the way for a future where the majority of transportation is electrified. 3. Interoperability Challenges: - Addressing issues like non-functional credit card readers, timeouts, or communication failures to prevent disruptions in the charging process. - Ensuring reliable communication between technologies, regardless of manufacturer. 4. ChargeX Consortium: - Leading the ChargeX Consortium to define and test the EV charging experience and develop large-scale improvements. - Three working groups focus on defining the charging experience, testing reliability and usability, and developing solutions. 5. Testing and Standards: - Outlining 16 testing categories with detailed scenarios to capture real-world experiences and edge cases. - Testing scenarios include faulty cables, internet signal loss, power outages, and connector issues. 6. Industry Collaboration: - Collaborating with 30 representatives from vehicle manufacturers, technology developers, and public interest groups to define interoperability standards and testing methodologies. - Industry feedback is crucial for developing realistic testing criteria. 7. Future Steps and Events: - ChargeX’s testing parameters will set standards for interoperability testing events like CharIN’s North American “Testival” and Conference. - ChargeX representatives will attend these events to coordinate and gather results. 8. Importance of Reliability: - Ensuring reliability is foundational for a positive EV charging experience. - Consistent testing is essential to maintain reliability and improve the EV charging experience. 9. Support from the U.S. Department of Energy: - The DOE’s Office of Science supports this initiative, addressing pressing challenges in science and technology through research and development. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the EV charging experience by ensuring seamless interoperability and reliability. Collaboration between industry and government is key to setting robust standards for the future of EV charging. 🌟 #EVCharging #ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #Innovation #DOE #Argonne #ChargeX #Interoperability #CleanEnergy #FutureTransportation

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Building energy codes play a vital role in shaping energy resilience. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program web page for resources, including the DOE Study: Enhancing Resilience in Buildings Through Energy Efficiency, several case studies from across the U.S., fact sheets, and reports. https://lnkd.in/gAumUs4Q

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🌟 Major Developments in the Data Center Industry! 🌟 The data center landscape is evolving rapidly with exciting updates from key players, here's what we know from the last 2 weeks of updates: 📍 Ashburn, Virginia: H5 Data Centers' Ashburn site is now fully leased to a major hyperscale client! This highlights Ashburn’s prominence as "Data Center Alley," ensuring top-tier performance and security for large-scale operations. 🔗 Read more https://lnkd.in/e9K-Bzxx 📍 Phoenix, Arizona: QTS Data Centers Realty Trust has acquired 200 acres in Avondale, expanding its footprint in a strategic location. This acquisition will bolster the region’s capacity to support growing digital infrastructure needs. 🔗 Read more https://lnkd.in/epUr4892 📍 Hillsboro, Oregon: Aligned Data Centers has topped out its PDX-1 data center, a key milestone in enhancing data center services in the Pacific Northwest. This facility is poised to deliver cutting-edge solutions with unparalleled efficiency and scalability. 🔗 Read more https://lnkd.in/e5xh2CtX 📍 Sterling, Virginia: Prologis is seeking permission to develop new data centers on a prime warehouse site. This move signifies an ongoing trend of repurposing strategic locations to meet the burgeoning demand for data center space. 🔗 Read more https://lnkd.in/eQg6r82j These developments underscore the rapid growth and innovation within the data center industry, as companies continue to expand and optimize their infrastructures to meet ever-increasing digital demands. #DataCenters #Hyperscale #TechInfrastructure #H5DataCenters #QTSRealtyTrust #Aligned #Prologis #TechNews #DigitalTransformation #InfrastructureExpansion

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There has been a fundamental shift in life sciences as FDA applications rise and AI drives research forward and DPR is at the center of it all. Dennis Kirkpatrick, co-leader of our life sciences core market, has observed a significant increase in demand for U.S. life sciences projects. Learn how recent innovations have accelerated progress, reducing construction timelines and fueling growth in the latest Construction Dive article: https://lnkd.in/gVMxqZk5

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David Stutzman was invited by Xi Wang, professor at Drexel University, to discuss best practices in eradicating VE (value engineering) with students in the Construction Management program. The Conspectus approach to decision management through specifications reduces VE and RFIs. Dave will provide insight in how to accomplish this through our accredited LEGO presentation. Learn more about this program in our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q02wpHzX0

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Revolutionizing Construction with Generative AI: Enhancing Design, Boosting Efficiency, and Optimizing Asset Management

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Following the release of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building, we highlight the crucial role of building energy modeling in delivering the energy-efficient, net-zero buildings of the future: https://bit.ly/3Xm3b9x 🌍🏢 #Decarbonisation #EnergyEfficiency #NetZeroCarbon #IESVE #BuildingPerformance #EnergyModeling #DynamicSimulation

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Preventive HVAC maintenance can help facilities stay ahead of potential issues - especially in extreme temperatures.

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With new federal efficient standards, local air quality regulations, and government incentives, we’re changing the game for water heating systems through clean energy technologies that could save working families money and slash emissions. https://lnkd.in/e4azfcgX

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T&M’s Tina Heath, PE was a guest on The AEC Leadership podcast, where she talked with Engineering Management Institute’s Anthony Fasano, PE, AEC PM, F. ASCE about how to shift from an engineer to a leader. Watch or listen to this episode to learn about the challenges and triumphs of moving from a technical role to a leadership position, as well as strategies for balancing technical expertise with people skills to become a successful leader. https://bit.ly/AECLPEp01

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🏢Major Investment in LaGrange for Future Data Center New York's Thor Equities has purchased 270 acres in LaGrange, Georgia, for $50M, intending to develop a state-of-the-art data center campus. The site includes a large distribution facility, a dedicated substation, and essential infrastructure, making it ideal for this purpose. This investment marks another step in Thor Equities' expansion into the data center market, following projects like the $655M Madrid One in Spain. Read more about this development: [Bisnow Article](https://lnkd.in/ej95QMzX) #DataCenter #RealEstateInvestment #LaGrangeGA #ThorEquities #RootsRealEstate

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Larry Newman CCM, CPESC, CPSWQ, a 25-year Environmental Compliance Inspector, served as the representative for AMT and delivered a presentation at the Virginia Engineers Conference (VEC) hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia (ACEC/VA). He was honored to address his fellow industry professionals, aiming to motivate those present. His focus was on Environmental Compliance for Construction Projects. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing erosion prevention rather than solely depending on sediment controls. Additionally, he outlined essential elements for constructing and upholding a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for inspection and execution. Throughout his presentation, Larry stressed the significance of conducting site visits before, during, and after construction coupled with effective communication with site personnel. He underscored the importance of researching alternative solutions. Larry’s demonstration highlighted his Five Steps to Environmental Compliance:1) Eliminate erosion to prevent sedimentation 2) Direct water where you want it to go 3) Ensure self-protection by thoroughly understanding and adhering to permits and approved plans 4) Maintain and follow a Pollution Prevention (P2) plan to reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution and waste management 5) Document every action to validate compliance. His key takeaway emphasized minor adjustments to site design and management practices can yield significant downstream benefits, alongside providing strategies for maintaining compliance. His exclusive tips include: - Ensure thorough documentation with photos and videos, prior to land-disturbing activities (LDA) - Conduct on-site inspections of water quality (WQ) sites prior to land-disturbing activities (LDA) - Maintain ready access to stabilization materials - Embrace innovation, try non-standard items #teamingourtalentsforyoursuccess #AMTStrong

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Managing design, submittals, and other construction document reviews for different projects simultaneously can be challenging. But with the right document management and collaboration platform, you can keep all project information and stakeholders in one place, reduce errors, and meet project deadlines. Here's an example ⬇️

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While it's accurate that the majority of EV charging takes place at home, the accessibility of public infrastructure significantly influences Americans' perceptions of electric vehicles. Business owners have a unique opportunity to be pioneers in the expansion of public charging networks, which is crucial for fostering widespread EV adoption. Studies reveal that proximity to public chargers correlates with more favorable attitudes toward EVs among Americans, highlighting the importance of accessible charging infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/evXgXiXV #ElecVulum #HobbsandCo #electricvehicles #evcharger #evcharging #infrastructure

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what are my IAQ, designers, and building science friend’s favorite under cabinet range hood? planning for an 30” induction range swap soon, but upgrading the exhaust first. *must come forward enough to cover the front burners **bonus points if it can be interlocked or controlled through a smart switch

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O is for Optimisically embracing challenges. We would like to give a special shout out to our mechanical engineers, Brennen Guy, Matt Krueger, Alex Fornoff, Andrew Pituch, and James Komperud, on Optimistically Embracing Challenges. On the Jacobs team, 360 Engineering is providing plumbing engineering services to remodel 54 Denver International Airport (DEN) restrooms between Concourses A, B, and C. Our engineers took on this challenge and were able to keep this quick-timeline project running smoothly with stellar fieldwork, documentation, communication, and quality deliverables! How do you optimistically embrace challenges in your work? Share your stories with us in the comments! #EngineeringExcellence #SustainableSolutions #OptimisicallyEmbracingChallenges

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