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Welcome to Commercial Builder Support!

If you are looking for Tax Incentives, explanations of how to participate in one of the many Green Building Programs across the nation or training in Better Building Practices, GWS is the source for all your Technical Support solutions.

We offer technical support and consulting for LEED New Construction and EPA ENERGY STAR Certification. Being one of the nation's largest 3rd Party Verification Firms we also do the Inspections and Verification for the above mentioned programs.

We also perform HVAC Design & Load Calculations, MEP Design & Reviews for light commercial, Commissioning, Commercial Energy Audits and Biocontamination Inspections.

Incentives for Commercial Builders and Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Federal Tax: You may be eligible for a tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for improving the energy efficiency of your existing commercial buildings or designing high efficiency into new buildings.

The recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 included, extended and/or amended many tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) which includes a tax deduction for investments in “energy-efficient commercial building property” designed to significantly reduce the heating, cooling, water heating, and interior lighting energy cost of new or existing commercial buildings. The energy efficient commercial buildings deduction is now extended through December 31, 2013.

GWS is uniquely qualified to help both builders and owners make the necessary energy efficiency improvements and produce the documentation to use in seeking the federal tax deduction.

Individual States: Click Here for the ACEE State Energy Efficiency Policy Database

Building Science Consultants

GWS provides comprehensive building science consulting services to our clients. We work with builders, individuals and trade contractors to evaluate the construction process, construction techniques and applications of building components to determine the optimal application based on climate conditions, building performance and cost effectiveness.

As part of the consulting process, we develop specific construction details outlining the proper construction techniques based on climate zone in which the buildings are constructed as well as the building components being used. GWS’s staff of engineers and building science specialists work with clients to develop building science road maps to guide them in energy efficient construction practices that increase building performance, durability and decrease liability.

• Moisture Movement and Management
• Bio-contaminant Prevention (Mold)
• HVAC Comfort and Performance
• Attic Ventilation Specifications and Consulting
• Building Performance Diagnostics
• Expert Witness
• Trade Contractor Training
• Development of Customized Construction Details
  
  
  

LEED New Construction

LEED New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories. LEED NC is currently in version 2.2 but will launch Version 3 on April 27th, 2009.

GWS provides LEED AP and Consultation services as well as the modeling and analysis LEED requires for certification.

ENERGY STAR Commercial

Energy Star offers a proven strategy for superior energy management with tools and resources to help each step of the way. Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines for energy management can assist your organization in improving its energy and financial performance while distinguishing your organization as an environmental leader.

GWS can help you with the certification process for Energy Star Buildings and Plants

HVAC Design & MEP Design and Reviews

GWS offers HVAC engineering services that include plan analysis, design, layout, duct design reviews and equipment sizing. We design the HVAC system from your construction plans to assess the unique qualities of each home. We routinely work with builders and HVAC contractors to determine the appropriate sizing, layout, and room ventilation requirements to maximize home owner comfort and indoor air quality. Through the inspection process, we gather data to verify equipment specifications including SEER and capacity ratings.

GWS utilizes the latest software and technology to analyze and develop the proper HVAC system specifications. GWS uses research from national laboratories and manufacturers to improve building performance. Our engineering approach to residential energy efficiency is based on building science principles using building components to determine the optimum HVAC system requirements. We work with builders and contractors to determine the cost and performance feasibility of system upgrades such as fresh air ventilation, humidity control and air flow performance.

• HVAC Layout and Review
• HVAC Equipment Verification for SEER and capacity rating
• Evaluation of building envelope components and systems
• Engineering Analysis to determine the feasibility of system upgrades such as fresh air ventilation, humidity control and air flow performance
  

         GWS Provides:

• Individualized computer Energy Analysis of Building Plans, including heating and cooling loads
• Room by room analysis of required air flow (CFM measurements)
• Sizing of units
• Engineered designed air distribution system to insure optimum savings and comfort

Commissioning

Building commissioning is the process of verifying and documenting the performance claims of a building. An expert, third-party verification process is the only way to guarantee performance claims. The experience, training and expertise of our engineering team make GWS a uniquely qualified commissioning service provider. We work closely with the owner(s), design team and contractors of a building to provide a safe, healthy indoor environment with optimal energy performance.

Goals & Objectives of Building Commissioning:

• Ensure the facility performs as designed and intended
• Reduce energy consumption and waste
• Achieve optimal energy performance
• Reduce utility, operation and maintenance costs
• Reduce change orders and callbacks
• Increase occupant comfort and satisfaction
• Prevent avoidable system failures
• Facilitate a smoother construction process (when applicable)
• Establish accountability
• Meet LEED requirements

GWS's Commissioning Team is Highly Qualified to:

• Detect and identify equipment failures
• Conduct performance testing and diagnostic monitoring with state-of-the-art technology, including infrared thermo-graph
• Analyze the building envelope and components
• Evaluate mechanical and electrical systems
• Create deficiency reports with suggestions for remediation
• Provide operation and maintenance training for facility staff and occupants

Commercial Energy Audits

GWS’ Professional Engineers perform technical energy audits to discover energy savings potential. We perform a facility walk through to identify specific items that represent potential savings. We provide engineering analysis of Utility costs and identify opportunities in indoor air quality improvements. We also provide a hard copy report that will identify low or no cost items that will result in immediate Utility savings. A descriptive list of the activities in the energy audit include:

• Conduct a site survey to identify utility saving opportunities.
• Review building plans and drawings to aid in identifying utility savings opportunities.
• Analyze utility bills and metering to aid in identifying utility savings opportunities.
• Visually inspect HVAC duct system for air leakage
• Define utility savings estimates and provide an overall savings estimate in terms of utility consumption and cost.
• Recommend methods of reducing utility consumption and costs for the building.
• Provide cost estimates for any equipment upgrades and retro-fits necessary to achieve the identified savings.

We also offer an additional service of Infrared Thermography for a more detailed analysis.

Biocontamination Inspection

Many variables must be considered when evaluating exposure to biological contaminants. There are approximately 72,000 categorized fungi and there are estimates that millions of fungal species exist and there are very few guidelines for exposure limits.

Biological growth can occur within 24-72 hours of a wetting event. Mold, even though the species is the same, will look different depending on the substrate or surface it is growing on.

GWS has certified microbial and indoor environmental consultants with training in all areas of indoor air quality. We benefit both commercial builders and owners by quickly identifying biocontamination cause and origin. Our inspections include many problem areas including walls, wall cavities and ductwork. These inspections allow us to then determine the best remediation plan for you.

If you are an employer these measures help to protect employees and minimize litigation.