Jordan Ridgley, Field Engineer

How do you think engineers are making a difference in our world?

Engineers are the backbone of our world today. Almost every aspect of our daily lives have been touched by an engineer in some way; the car you travel to work in, the social media site you use on a daily basis, the soda you drink at lunch and the home you live in have all been influenced by an engineer in one form or another.

What interested you the most about becoming an engineer?

I have always enjoyed learning how things work and troubleshooting issues. That made mechanical engineering a no-brainer because that’s what we get to do on a daily basis.

What young people can do now to prepare themselves for a career in engineering?

To prepare yourself to become an engineer, get as many diverse experiences outside the classroom as possible. Math equations can always be taught and learned but being well rounded and having a basic understanding of how everyday items like a lawn mower or a water heater works will help once you start your career.

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John Lutz, Engineering Manager

Do you ever stop and think about how everyday technologies make our lives easier and make our world work? How does a cell phone allow me talk to my friends on the opposite side of the world? How does a plane that weighs over a hundred tons fly through the air and let us cross continents in a matter of hours? How can my microwave turn hard kernels of corn to crunchy pieces of popcorn? We can look all around us and see ideas in motion that serve a purpose; these ideas have one thing in common, engineering. Engineering principles and applications are at play in all human innovation.

In our world, it is very easy to take all these technologies and innovations for granted, if people don’t take the time to understand the engineering or the science behind them, the knowledge could be lost. Young people taking an interest in engineering and turning that interest into a thirst for knowledge is what propels our world forward.

For parents and adults, taking the time to share what you know and help inspire the young people in your life, could be the difference between making science and engineering something that is intimidating or something that becomes a passion.

For professionals or individuals in the engineering fields, take the time, reach out, and find a youth group or STEM program in your community and volunteer your time and experience. The task is simple, do not be daunted by wondering if you’re “expert enough” to teach others; a lifelong passion can be inspired by prompting a child to ask the simple question of “what if?”

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Q/A with Chris Fasano, Project Engineer Employee of the Year 2016 Any favorite quote or line from a movie? “The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors ... Read More

LEED Version 4 has recently put the spotlight on Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx), in a good way. In the event your project is pursuing the credit associated with “Enhanced Commissioning”, you will be required to retain a BECx Agent, and quickly. BECx has been introduced to ensure the performance of the enclosure is coordinated with all related building systems, and to increase the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Some of the key factors associated with the new version are highlighted below:

• Minimum Requirements for Exterior Enclosure.
• Enhanced Commissioning Credit, BECx Agent during DD Phase.
• Enhanced Commissioning Credit, BECx Agent responsibilities throughout the project.
• Enhanced Commissioning Credit, Provide Post Occupancy Review and Support.

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