Services

We study the sum of operational carbon emissions (mostly from energy consumption) and embodied carbon emissions (mostly from manufacturing of materials). This creates a full understanding of the trade-off between the two, for example in amount and type of insulation or thermal mass.

We support design teams in the development of ventilation concepts with a focus on natural ventilation. To this end, we define the required air paths together with suitable opening elements and free cross-sectional areas, size stacks or fans for assisted driving forces, and develop the necessary control strategies.

We develop and analyze concepts specifically for outdoor comfort in plazas, parks, streetscapes, campuses, and neighborhoods. We have the unique capability to characterize the temperatures and comfort expected over the course of the year. When appropriate, we analyze outdoor airflow patterns and their impact on comfort using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

We advise on the impact of buildings and developments on local outdoor air quality. Pollutant dispersion studies are critical for ensuring laboratory exhaust leaves a building without creating a hazard in surrounding areas. We can evaluate the impacts of emergency generators, local traffic sources, and similar point sources on air quality in a neighborhood.

We develop concepts and analyze thermal comfort for thermally diverse spaces that challenge traditional disciplines: atriums, winter gardens, arenas and stadiums, greenhouses, and similar spaces. We have the unique capability to characterize the temperatures and comfort expected over the course of the year. When appropriate, we analyze indoor airflow patterns and temperature distribution using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

We develop concepts and analyze energy, thermal, and visual comfort performance of advanced building envelope concepts: alternative insulation strategies, external shading, internal shading with cavity exhaust, operable shading, and more. We have the unique capability to characterize the temperatures and comfort expected over the course of the year. Some concepts are developed to meet emerging ultra-high performance code requirements, such as the Massachusetts Opt-In Specialized Energy Code.

We develop advanced mechanical system concepts and analyze their energy and comfort performance. This includes both zone-level concepts such as radiant cooling, silent ‘gravity walls’, radiant water walls, and more, and thermal plants including heat pump chillers, geothermal, daily or seasonal thermal storage, and more. Zone-level analysis often focuses on showing feasibility of the system concept, whereas plant-level analysis focuses on system selection and right-sizing for the best economic and carbon performance.

We develop concepts and analyze daylight and visual comfort for spaces that challenge traditional disciplines: atriums, highly glazed spaces with strict visual criteria, art museums and galleries, and similar spaces. We also develop and study daylight redirection concepts. We characterize the lighting conditions and visual comfort expected over the course of the year.

We provide engineering peer reviews of both design concepts and technical analyses, often with a focus on façade performance or mechanical engineering concepts for projects that are uncertain if they have the right approach. We review and comment on design assumptions, analysis approaches, and sizing of systems, and offer opportunities for improved performance, reduced cost, or simplifications – either as adjustments to the current design, or as new design alternatives.

We support proiects in implementing new or unconventional concepts, including façade designs, mechanical systems, and daylight concepts. If a system isn’t operating as expected, does the installation meet the required physical or performance specifications? Are the controls operating correctly, or do they need to be adjusted? Our know-how, on-site measurements, and focus on deep understanding are the foundation of the troubleshooting process.

We develop our own technical solutions to continually push the boundaries of climate engineering. From innovative facade elements to novel active components such as the Dry-Mist system, which we have refined into a high-performance, comfortable, and energy-efficient outdoor comfort solution based on biometeorological models and extensive field tests. Our work encompasses the entire development process: from initial functional concepts through simulations, prototyping, and mock-ups to real-world testing in a project context.

We build analog mock‑ups to realistically test, refine, and validate design concepts. Through targeted measurements and evaluation, we assess performance, comfort, and robustness, reducing risks and identifying optimization potential early on. Our mock‑ups provide a reliable basis for confident decision‑making and real‑world implementation.