The Charles E. Smith Center, home of The George Washington University’s Department of Athletics and Recreation for over 30 years, underwent a major renovation in 2009. The Charles E. Smith Center hosts special events on campus and both intercollegiate and club team practices and competitions.
As part of the project scope, Baumann performed energy modeling according to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 Appendix G. Major energy efficiency measures (EEMs) incorporated into the project include:
- Replacement of air handling units and related controls
- Dehumidification air handling unit in the swimming pool area recapturing energy for pool heating, an upgrade from the previous gas boiler pool heating system
- Replacement of lighting fixtures, including occupancy sensors for lighting
- Upgraded building enclosure systems, including improvements in the entrance area and additional thermal insulation
Baumann also provided commissioning for this project, including multiple design reviews and extensive functional performance testing. The team utilized our unique Operation Diagnostics methodology, an innovative approach to tracking trend data, to evaluate and optimize the operation of the building systems. Some issues resolved included:
- Simultaneous heating and cooling by the AHUs
- Systems running 24 / 7 unnecessarily
- Chilled Water system not operating upon demand
- Thermostats communicating with the wrong HVAC units
