Schedule

Avoiding Code Rage
As human knowledge and experience increases so do rules and regulations to which we must conform. The continuous development of new, stronger building materials, computer-aided design technology, environmental awareness and social issues will bring about new building regulations. Codes and regulations (not just building codes) have already increased exponentially over the last several decades. In Philip K. Howard’s book, The Death of Common Sense . Howard explains that “lawmaking momentum…surged in the 1960s”, which “changed our attitudes toward legal detail.” Howard further documents that “the Federal Register increased from 15,000 pages to 70,000 pages…; OSHA…had 140 regulations on wooden ladders; EPA alone has over 10,000 pages of regulations” and “fire and building codes have roughly the same purpose… but are much longer.” New code language can contradict existing language, it can be too specific, or it can be too general, which can influence design efforts, authority approvals, enforcement, and long-term facility maintenance and care.

Building codes affect everyone – residents, owners, architects, contractors, fire fighters and even children. Codes influence our decisions about the shape of our buildings and their infrastructure. The increased number of requirements adds new challenges to understanding and applying the real intent of the building code regulations to an infinite variety of building designs.

To complicate matters there is no common language — there is no uniform building code in the United States. Various Model Codes are used as guides to compose hundreds of similar yet different local amendments. Some communities develop a unique code while others do not have a building code at all.

Due to its sheer complexity, building codes have a reputation of being one of the most daunting aspects of the construction process for even the most experienced building owners, general contractors, and other industry professionals. However, building codes play a critical role in the success (or shortcomings) of a project. That is because they provide a comprehensive roadmap to creating and maintaining safe structures—and therefore safe communities—by protecting each occupant’s health and safety.

Consequently, codes and regulations create varying opinions between designers, owners and AHJ’s, but it can be averted by following a few precautionary measures. This presentation will provide information about the various codes, how to navigate the numerous regulations, improve overall life safety, avoid deficiencies, and most importantly creating and maintaining safe structures.

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Electrifying Healthcare
The healthcare sector offers opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through the electrification of equipment and systems and the subsequent utilization of renewable sources of power. The link between decarbonization and electrification will be discussed as the pathway to net zero, which at its foundation is the electrification of equipment and systems. Opportunities to modify building level systems will be explored along with those at the plant level including use of non-fossil fuel technologies.

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Applying AI to your next project: Leveraging data to improve design and construction
Using artificial intelligence to improve healthcare depends on data—lots of it, all of it vetted, curated, and analyzed to enhance an organization’s clinical, facility, and administrative operations. This session—presented by consulting engineers whose AI chatbot assists in healthcare design—will examine how healthcare organizations can leverage their data in the new frontier of AI and discuss AI applications that can vastly improve project execution and management and the environment of care and patient outcomes.

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Rethinking OR Ventilation: Introduction to Temperature-Controlled Air Flow – 1 CEUs
In 2019, the University of Rochester announced plans to build a new ambulatory Orthopaedics campus. At 330,000 square feet, the $227M project would be the largest offsite building project in the University’s history. The first phase of the Center opened in February 2023. With the goal of creating a world-class facility, the staff wanted to take every opportunity to innovate and improve upon previous operating room design. Over the last decade a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that conventional Laminar Air Flow (LAF ) ventilation is not effective in protecting patients from the risk of airborne microbial contamination. With this in mind, facilities engineering teamed with orthopedic surgical partners to evaluate a more recent innovation in ventilation, Temperature-controlled Air Flow (TcAF). In this presentation, speakers will review the contribution of airborne microbial contamination to surgical site infection and how airborne risk factors have increased as surgery has evolved over the decades. They will then share the journey from the original evaluation of the TcAF system, through design, installation, testing and use. The presentation will also include information on cost, energy requirements and the perceptions of surgical personnel working in rooms with different ventilation systems.

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Infrastructure Decision Making – Canceled
A discussion on how an infrastructure capital plan can be built. Detailed review of how to gather information from facility managers, collate and dissect the information and then prepare capital budgets and prioritized projects. Provide statistics on spend metrics at a 16 hospital enterprise, and how a plan was designed to manage the enterprise as a single entity, and not a series of campuses.

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Rural & Resilient: A Bold, Energy-Efficient Critical Access Hospital Maximizes ROI and Strengthens a Community Legacy
Margaret Mary Health’s new replacement hospital will be Indiana’s first all-electric hospital, leading the nation in energy efficiency. In this session, project team members will share sustainable design strategies to optimize facility operations and health outcomes at the critical-access hospital scale, examining electrification, decarbonization, and resiliency strategies. This practical approach balances programmatic and budgetary constraints with the healthcare system’s community legacy and long-term energy goals. A key piece of the project’s financial strategy, the Inflation Reduction Act offers $2M in potential savings through sustainability incentives.

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Punch Bowl Social
120 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225

Examine NFPA 70B, NEC 110.16(B), NEC 240.87, NEC 220.87, NEC 700.10(D) 1.3, NEC 700.3.F, NEC 700.5, and NEC 705.12. Learn how these regulations have an impact on power transfer equipment.

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Not all light is created equal – understanding the interplay of light placement, timing, and technology is key to achieving a well-lit, energy-conscious campus environment. From the glow of parking lots to the shine of valet entrances, we’ll guide you through the myriad of lighting options that contribute not just to the illumination but also to the energy footprint of your campus. Join us to gain actionable insights and get equipped with tools and resources to start your journey toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

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Today’s healthcare facilities leaders have access to more advanced technology, intentional and comprehensive processes, and access to industry specific training than ever before. With the playing field levelled, the key to unlocking the potential for advancement and quality of care is not just investing in the newest technology but investing in their people. The resource that sets facilities apart is not the technology or equipment they deploy, but the team members they engage and to empower to take ownership and lead from within.

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Electrical safety programs, arc flash studies, training, audits… Many are familiar with these concepts for electricians and other qualified electrical workers. But what about those who are not supposed to perform electrical related tasks? Turns out, the majority of electrical injuries and fatalities are attributed to non-electrical occupations. Just because they don’t perform electrical work doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk! This session will provide real world scenarios and hands-on practice for what the NFPA 99 & 70E require for the safety of electrical personnel and non-electrical personnel alike.

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ASHRAE/ASHE Guideline 43 Operations Guideline for Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
This presentation will discuss the road that has led to the development of a one-of-a-kind guideline. The purpose of Guideline 43 is to provide baseline recommendations for the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that provide environmental control in health care facilities for the safety and comfort of health care facility occupants. The presentation will cover the genesis of the guideline, how the recommendations were developed and the current status of the guideline.

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Modernizing for Resilience: TriHealth’s Powerhouse Project at Good Samaritan Hospital
Aiming for increased resiliency and efficiency, TriHealth embarked on an ambitious project to modernize the medium voltage systems at their 1.5M-square-foot Good Samaritan Hospital campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. Integrating a new 10,000-square-foot powerhouse amid substantial site condition issues, the project not only required innovative strategic planning but is also projected to save $10M in energy costs over the generators’ lifespan. We’ll discuss project challenges and the sustainable solutions that equipped Good Samaritan with robust, resilient infrastructure for their current needs and new 160,000-square-foot addition currently under construction.

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Leveraging Unified BMS and EPMS Systems to Get More Out of Your Facilities
This Tradeshow Talk will focus on the value of integrating Building Management System (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS) systems to achieve energy and sustainability goals. There are a number of pressures on Healthcare Systems to prioritize sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and save money. How Building and Electrical Systems Connect, Collect, Analyze and Take-Action on building data is key in achieving these goals.

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The ROI of HVAC Restoration
his presentation explores HVAC equipment restoration’s viability and ROI. It discusses criteria beyond age for determining candidacy, and efficient management strategies post-identification. Case studies illustrate performance enhancements (CFM, Static Pressure, Cooling Capacity), energy efficiency gains, and CAPEX savings. The process covers reconditioning methods like coil cleaning vs. coil replacement, specialized coatings, insulation, and fan array upgrades. Options for equipment in challenging locations are also examined. HVAC restoration emerges as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative, potentially offsetting expenses through energy savings.

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Windows of Opportunity: Enhancing Building Owners’ Strategies for Window Inspection and Maintenance
The maintenance of fenestration systems is crucial for the structural integrity, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of any building. We propose a comprehensive approach to window inspection tailored for building owners. We emphasize regular inspections involving a systematic evaluation of window components to detect signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, minimizing the risk of future operational interruptions. By adopting these methods, building owners can ensure their windows’ continued functionality and longevity and enhance the properties’ sustainability and value.

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Reimagining Design for the Future of Operating Suites
This presentation focuses on the utilization of modular ceiling and wall systems in the Operating Suite. How reimagining our current design, construction and installation practices can create project efficiencies, improve outcomes, and facilitate opportunities for futureproofing as technologies and practices change.

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This presentation will cover the overall process of commissioning, testing, and balancing of pressure critical spaces specifically geared towards a healthcare facility. Along with the steps involved in successfully completing one of these projects, we will discuss the standards/guidelines that we follow as well as tips on implementation. Finally, we will end with a discussion on common issues and lessons learned from some real projects that didn’t go according to plan.

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