by Abdullah Khaliqi
In an era where environmental consciousness and sustainability are paramount global concerns, the collaboration between educational institutions and their trusted experts stands as a roadmap of progress. One such partnership has blossomed between Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc. (F&T) and Roxbury Community College (RCC). This collaboration not only underscores the Boston area’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints, but also demonstrates the pivotal role of having an engineering firm that understands long-term goals and helps foster sustainable practices within academic settings.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Energy Efficiency
Lab
Beyond emissions reduction, F&T is spearheading a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and improving campus resiliency. Campus stairwell lighting and heating have been standardized to maintain comfort and minimize energy use. Studies conducted on campus intending to be certified prior to design include air handling unit (AHU) replacement, geothermal capacity, exterior medium voltage switchgear replacement, and water source heat pump (WSHP) upgrade.
These upgrades not only bolster energy efficiency but also create a more conducive learning environment for students and faculty members alike. The implementation of the studies will translate into tangible cost savings for RCC, allowing the college to reallocate resources toward academic, research, and community endeavors.
Lab Safety Enhancements
Lab
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff within laboratory settings is paramount. Recognizing this, RCC collaborated with F&T to enhance lab safety by upgrading fume hoods throughout their science building and reconfiguring pressure schemes to mitigate the hazards of storing laboratory chemicals.
Long Term Support
Fume hood project
Having the owner’s engineer supporting the campus has allowed the working relationship and campus goals to progress despite administrative changes, each with their own long-term vision. An established relationship allows for themes to be identified with each new direction, and F&T has been able to support beautification, energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and an overall understanding of the campus’ current state. Boston City Mayor Kim Janey benefited from the owner’s engineer relationship when considering whether the Regie Lewis Center could be used as an emergency school during the Covid-19 pandemic. F&T is regularly asked to attend meetings with other engineering firms on campus to offer RCC a different engineering perspective for future decisions.
The established relationship RCC has with F&T as the owner’s engineer serves as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in advancing sustainability and infrastructure development. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, such initiatives highlight the indispensable role of engineering firms in driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Abdullah Khaliqi
Abdullah Khaliqi, PE, CPQ is principal and academic market leader at Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc.
