Current Projects

Nashua City Hall
Nashua, NH
Energy assessment and solution development and implementation of the approved solutions.

In 2008, Nashua City Hall was often an uncomfortable place to work. Built in 1938 and poorly maintained over the years, the heating system had limited controls. During the heating season, it was not unusual for the heat and air conditioning to be on at the same time, in the same room. While some of the building occupants were too hot others were cold, all at the same time. And the original steel-framed single pane windows added to the discomfort during the cold winter days.

(l.) Old, single pane window with AC unit (r) Energy Star double pane, operable window

That’s when The Jordan Institute was called in to assess the building and its systems, and then make recommendations for energy improvements. Jordan’s team, led by David Bryson, has been working with the City of Nashua for the past 2 years to manage the renovation from beginning to end. As the Project Manager and the single point of contact, he has been responsible for pre-construction management, quality control and quality assurance, project coordination, oversight and communications.

To begin with, a full building inspection was performed, including a blower door test to assess air infiltration and IR thermal imaging to determine the insulation needs. Working with the city, The Jordan team brought in various consultants including mechanical engineers and contractors and a lighting designer to further determine the existing conditions, brainstorm energy efficient solutions and a concept design, and provide estimates to complete the project.

Highlights of the full report indicated that:

·         The roofs were at the end of their lives and lacking in insulation;

·         The steam heating system was inspected and replacement was recommended. While conversion to a hot water system was considered, a decision was made to overhaul the existing steam system due to cost considerations.

·         A steam trap survey found that 50% of the traps failed, resulting in costly energy losses and occupant discomfort;

·         The single pane windows performed poorly;

·         The air conditioning system, a combination of window units and rooftop units with an old control system, was highly inefficient;

·         Lighting was determined to be inadequate in some places and over lit in others;

·         The front steps and stones had settled over time aggravating drainage problems. The steps tilted towards the building allowing water to drain onto the masonry wall and into the basement. 

·         The wood frame surrounding the clock in the cupola was rotten.

After pre-qualifying the best-in-class resources in the region – architects, engineers and contractors, Jordan’s team worked closely with the City’s Purchasing Department to prepare the Requests for Proposals for the design team and then managed the ensuing bidding process for the Contractors. The Jordan Institute is now overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the energy improvements, which are underway and slated for completion by the end of 2010.

The work scope is described below.

·         The City Hall front steps have been rebuilt directing water to drain away from the building.   The masonry wall was sealed with a waterproof coating to prevent water entering the basement.

·         The single pane windows have been replaced with Energy Star, double-glazed fiberglass windows. Most windows are operable and the windows installed on the south and west facing sides of the building are tinted to help to reduce glare. 

·         All the steam traps in the building have been replaced to greatly improve the existing steam heating system. 

·         The roof is being replaced with a new EPDM rubber membrane roof, insulated with polyisocyanurate rigid foam. Since the improved roof insulation will prevent the building’s heat from escaping and melting the snow, structural repair work is being done to reinforce the roof against a heavier snow load. 

·         Window AC units were eliminated and a combination of rooftop AC units and heat pumps now furnish air conditioning throughout the building.

·         All controls are being replaced with DDC (Direct Digital Control) systems and the Building Manager will have a BMS (Building Management System) to monitor all the systems.

·         Since the new windows and insulation eliminated most of the air infiltration, ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) have been installed to assure indoor air quality.

·         New skylights are being installed in the auditorium to provide much needed natural light.

·         The clock tower is being repaired and repainted.

New roofs with added foam insulation, Energy Star windows, replacement of all steam traps, an upgraded HVAC system with heat pumps and ERVs, and an automated building controls system will all contribute to increased occupant comfort, and reduced energy and maintenance bills.

Maintaining and operating older city buildings can be extremely challenging and costly. This is one example of how a well coordinated team of professionals with expertise in building systems and new technologies can produce results that benefit both people and the bottom line.