Beyond Engineering

Going beyond scope to find cost saving solutions

Garfield Heights City Schools embarked upon a plan to renovate and upgrade their educational facilities. TES Engineering oversaw electrical and mechanical system upgrades at two elementary schools.

In addition to upgrading and replacing heating systems and electrical systems, our engineers designed lighting and fire alarm systems. Installation of a new fire suppression system brought the facilities into compliance with currently life safety standards.

We creatively devised innovative solutions for complex problems. For example, the team made energy recommendations to furr existing walls with 3.5 inch insulation constructed around windows in classrooms plagued with temperature problems.

With this creative alternative, the design team was able to avoid replacing window jambs and sills, greatly reducing construction cost. The school now experiences a ten percent reduction in annual energy use and the classrooms are finally comfortable.

While expanding the classroom wings of the schools, our engineers tied the HVAC system to the lighting occupancy sensors to add an additional way to minimize energy use when classrooms were unoccupied. Engineers also incorporated motion sensors for corridor egress lighting control, thereby eliminating most 24-hour night light fixtures.