Archive for March, 2024

How to Integrate Electrification Efforts into Future Projects

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
Tesla charging

As new legislative initiatives take shape and decarbonization goals are on the horizon, integrating electrification efforts into future construction projects has become a top priority for general contractors, project  owners, and property managers. New technology and practices are leading the way to create sustainable buildings and carbon-neutral campuses. Electrification is at the forefront of carbon-free initiatives for many builders, and integrating electrification technology and practices into new builds or retrofit projects is becoming increasingly common among projects of all sizes. 

PRIORITIZE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Targeting heating and cooling systems during new construction and retrofit projects can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the associated costs within a building. Energy efficient alternatives to traditional HVAC systems, including heat pumps and geothermal systems, are ideal for contractors and building owners who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and potentially receive tax incentives for integrating sustainable building practices into their projects. The electrification of HVAC systems can improve the energy efficiency of buildings, as well as the comfort. These systems can integrate with updated building automation systems to adjust to daytime temperatures and improve the quality and comfort of the facility all year round. 

ADD RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Solar panels

Whether it is a corporate campus or a single-building facility, renewable energy sources offer significant benefits in offsetting carbon production and electrifying facilities. On-site solar and wind generation systems are common alternative energy solutions, as they can be scaled to different facilities and provide major benefits in energy costs and decarbonization goals. In addition, building-integrated photovoltaic solar (BIPV) technology is also gaining popularity, as it combines solar panels with building exteriors, enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Partnering with low-voltage contractors who understand the electrical codes and requirements for this technology is the first step to achieving carbon neutrality and receiving tax incentives and cost benefits. 

IMPLEMENT SMART BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Smart building technology plays a crucial role in maximizing energy efficiency and integrating electrification to new and existing buildings. Automation systems, LED lighting, and energy management systems are the perfect solution for retrofit projects, as they do not require significant demolition or reconstruction of buildings. Installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is another way to improve the sustainability of a facility and meet future demand as EVs continue to rise in popularity. Smart building technology is also common for new builds, as well, helping project owners and building managers get ahead of the curve and begin optimizing energy usage and reducing waste right away. These systems can be customized to each project, giving owners full control over their building and optimizing the way they run the facility day-to-day.

HOW MULTI-TRADES EXPERTS CAN HELP

Integrating electrification efforts into future projects is a proactive step towards a sustainable and carbon-free future. By implementing sustainable technologies and building practices, project owners, general contractors, and property managers can potentially receive tax benefits, as well as long-term cost reductions in the operations within the facilities. 

Whether the project is a new build or a retrofit within an existing building, Egan Company is ready to help bring your electrification goals to life. Our multi-trade expertise enables us to deliver electrical and mechanical solutions through a single partner, improving the flexibility and efficiency of your project. Begin your next project and consider how Egan Company can help you achieve your decarbonization and electrification goals. 

How Often Should Commercial Boilers Be Serviced?

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

Hospitals, schools, offices, retail buildings, and other industries rely on their commercial boilers to run smoothly so they can have heat and hot water year-round. Keeping commercial boilers maintained and running requires diligent service and regular checks throughout the year, especially during peak seasons. By checking your boiler with a trusted technician, you’ll find peace of mind that your equipment will be running properly and your guests, employees, and visitors will be comfortable in your buildings. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOUR COMMERCIAL BOILER BE SERVICED?

Commercial boilers are complex systems that are critical for the comfort as well as the health and safety of anyone who walks through your doors. Regular boiler maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Calling a trusted service contractor can help you establish a proper maintenance and service schedule, where they can catch concerns and tune up your equipment. 

The frequency of servicing commercial boilers can vary depending on several factors, such as the boiler type, age, usage, and manufacturer’s recommendations. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to have commercial boilers serviced at least once a year. This annual servicing ensures that the system is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and fine-tuned to maintain its efficiency and safety. Conducting annual maintenance inspections for your commercial boilers will help extend the lifespan of your equipment, and can give you peace of mind year-round. 

It is a good idea to have a service technician inspect your equipment before peak seasons, such as the winter months in Minnesota. Doing so can prevent extreme breakdowns and downtime. You can also schedule tune-ups throughout the year to ensure your boiler is running smoothly even in the summer months.

YOUR TRUSTED BOILER TECHNICIANS

Regular servicing is crucial for maintaining the performance, efficiency, and safety of commercial boilers. By scheduling annual maintenance with a trusted service contractor, you can ensure that your boiler operates at its best. Minimize downtime, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment with the team at Egan. We’ll treat you and your equipment right to ensure everything is working properly and running smoothly for the comfort, health, and safety of you and everyone in your building all year round. Call our service team today to schedule your next boiler tune-up. 

Serving Home-Cooked Meals to Local Families

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

A home-cooked meal can go a long way for families who are experiencing extended hospital stays. That is why Egan Company employees cooked and served up dinner at local Ronald McDonald houses in the Twin Cities and Rochester. 

With five locations in Minnesota, the Ronald McDonald House offers overnight accommodations to nearly 76 families every night, and hundreds of meals, like the ones Egan served, to families each day.

Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2024

Friday, March 15th, 2024

National Women in Construction Week 2024 took place March 3-9. During this week, many organizations held events to share appreciation, celebrate diversity, and facilitate connections in the A/E/C industry. Egan Company employees participated in a number of local events throughout the week, where they grew professionally and took time to appreciate how past generations of women in the industry have opened doors for the current and future workforce. 

Personal Safety On and Off the Jobsite

What better way to kick off WIC Week than with a self-defense class? A few Egan leaders learned the art of self-defense at the McGough-hosted safety class where participants learned about personal safety both on and off the jobsite.

Egan Company Employee Recognition

Celebrating the women who make up Egan was top of mind during WIC Week, as we held a lunch and also made personal calls to recognize the efforts and contributions they make every day. Egan also announced the commitment to its new women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to supporting and advocating for women at Egan Company and in the industry.

Exploring Pathways to Construction Apprenticeships

The future is bright for women looking to break into a career in the trades! Promoting growth in the industry and opening up pathways for people of all backgrounds to find a career in construction starts with us, those who are here now. Hosted by Women in NECA and Future Leaders, attendees learned about the future of apprenticeships in the industry. 

Three-Phase Jobsite Tour and Rosies and Robbies of the Rail Events

Mid-week, Egan employees attended multiple events throughout the Twin Cities. Downtown Minneapolis, Egan met up with the project management team at Kraus-Anderson to take a tour of a three-phase construction project, including the demolition and rebuild of Minneapolis Fire Department No. 1, a low-rise apartment building, and a high-rise apartment building of which Egan’s InterClad team worked.

Then, a few Egan team members attended a collaborative round table event in Hopkins, hosted by Lunda/CS McCrossan. The theme of the discussion was “what works, what doesn’t, what hasn’t been tried yet”. It was a thought-provoking discussion that had the team thinking more about the future of the industry at Egan!

Coffee & Conversation

Wrapping up the week with networking and breakfast at an event hosted by JE Dunn! Egan had the opportunity to connect with some of the great minds in the industry at a delightful networking event, which offered plenty of insights and ideas for us to bring back to our teams. 

Creating Opportunities for the Future

Women in Construction Week is designed to celebrate the past while finding ways to improve the future for people of all backgrounds within the construction industry. Women make up approximately 10% of the construction workforce, and by creating more opportunities and opening doors, we can see that number increase and find ways to support women looking to blaze a career for themselves and others. 

New NFPA 70B Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Monday, March 11th, 2024

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly provides updates to guidelines concerning safe practices and maintenance protocols. Egan Company’s ongoing commitment to safety in all aspects of our work entails reviewing such guidelines and aligning our practices to ensure our people, customers, and equipment is safe and up-to-code. 

The new NFPA 70B guidelines outline new requirements for preventative maintenance of electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment in various settings. By following these guidelines, Egan can continue to create safe work environments and keep our employees, our customers, and the general public safe. 

WHAT ARE THE NFPA 70B REGULATIONS?

The updated NFPA guidelines include updated language, marking a shift from a manufacturer’s recommendation of maintenance to noting an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP) is a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. This new verbiage focuses on preventing risks or injuries through regular equipment maintenance, personnel training, and accurate documentation. Egan will begin following these recommendations in our work with customers who are receiving system upgrades and services. Many local and national electrical codes require adherence to 70B guidelines, and Egan is happy to provide further education and assistance in bringing your facility up-to-date. 

  • Program development and implementation: establishing a systematic maintenance program tailored to the specific needs of the facility.
  • Maintenance procedures: detailed instructions for inspecting, testing, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing various electrical equipment.
  • Testing and diagnostics: identifying potential problems through electrical testing and diagnostic techniques.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: recording maintenance activities and test results for future reference and analysis.
  • Team training: ensuring the team responsible for electrical equipment maintenance are adequately trained and qualified.

SAFETY FIRST. SAFETY ALWAYS.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Egan Company. Our electricians, service technicians, and account managers are keeping up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines from the NFPA and other organizations to ensure that wherever we go, safety follows. Bringing the NFPA 70B guidelines to our customers will help maintain the lifespan of your equipment, the safety of your buildings, and the quality of your facilities and operations. Bring your facility up to NFPA 70B standards and keep your buildings safe and sound. Questions on NFPA 70B or other electrical code requirements? Egan can help!