Energy and Resilience

Energy Consulting

Rimkus offers a diverse range of services and significant expertise focused on environmental, social, and (corporate) governance (ESG); greenhouse gas and carbon footprint reduction; and climate consulting. Whether addressing legislative changes or proactively reviewing assets in light of global fluctuations, expertise is required. Our diverse experience with the built environment and knowledge of their relationship with the surrounding environment have helped our clients avoid unnecessary failures with their projects.

Energy Services include:

  • Full assessments of the building envelope, MEP systems, and vertical transportation to comprehensively understand how energy is used in the built environment
  • ASHRAE Level I, II, and III Audits
  • Greenhouse gas and carbon footprint analysis and benchmarking
  • Energy evaluation and submission for compliance with local energy reporting ordinances
  • Full engineering services for the design of energy and GHG-reducing projects
  • Project management services and oversight of all aspects of bidding and construction

Resilience Due Diligence

As natural events continue to shape the future of our landscape, Rimkus can help clients avoid failures related to the design, maintenance, and restoration of buildings, infrastructure, and communities.

When looking at structures, systems, and communities, there is an expectation that infrastructure should be able to resist an extreme event with minimal damage and functionality disruption during and after the event. Our goal is to enable the property and community to rapidly recover its functionality.

Resilience Services include:

  • Climate Analysis
  • Resiliency Design Services
  • Risk Management Strategies
  • Capital Expenditure Studies
  • Building Envelope Analysis
  • Geotechnical Assessments
  • Structural Assessments
  • Seismic Assessments
  • MEP Systems Evaluation

Our significant industry expertise allows us to apply a unique perspective to finding the most practical, cost-effective solutions to project challenges. We can help you evaluate and address the specific vulnerabilities of your buildings and their systems.

Our Energy and Resilience Services

Ensuring Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Compliance

Complying with urban energy auditing requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Rimkus can help building owners navigate compliance challenges with comprehensive energy auditing services and energy efficiency strategies. We have the expertise and experience to help our clients meet their current and future energy goals without compromising profitability.

Valuable Energy Insight

Rimkus has extensive experience performing ASHRAE Level 1 Walk-through Audits and Level 2 Detailed General Audits. This information is useful when applying for LEED recertification or for developing strategies to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and operational costs. Our in-house expert construction estimators can provide reliable budget estimates and cost/benefit analyses through our experience projecting energy use patterns and utility rates.

Implementing Smart Solutions

Once we’ve identified opportunities for improving energy efficiency, the Rimkus team can work with owners and operators to design and implement cost-effective solutions. Our Certified Energy Managers work with clients to develop a road map for improving efficiency and complying with applicable energy regulations. This includes maintaining ENERGY STAR building portfolios, equipment replacement evaluations, and working with gas and electric utility companies to obtain the largest rebates and incentive payments.

Energy Audits and Implementation

Reducing Carbon While Enhancing Building Value

Rimkus has been a proponent of green design for decades. Our numerous LEED Accredited Professionals are very active on the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), developing and sharing technology on the latest green design strategies.

Linking Green Design to the Owner’s Vision

Sustainability and potential LEED certification must always be viewed in the context of the owner’s strategic plan for a property. Benefits to the owner, such as building marketability, tenant goodwill, operating costs, and institutional advancement, must be weighed against the costs of materials and labor, including the administrative costs associated with LEED certification. Profound environmental benefits and operational cost savings can be achieved through sustainable design and building practices, with or without formal LEED certification.

Services Across the Sustainability Spectrum

The Rimkus team has been involved in numerous LEED projects across the entire USGBC matrix: New Construction (NC), Commercial Interiors (CI), Core and Shell (CS), Existing Buildings (EBOM), and others. For clients considering LEED for their developments or existing buildings, Rimkus has developed a proprietary three-phase solution which can be completed in-house:

  1. Analysis of the building’s current standing with LEED before any design decisions or modifications are made.
  2. Detailed calculations, technical review, and project submission to the USGBC.
  3. Commissioning of the building and completion of other technical services crucial to sustainability and building operations.

LEED and Sustainability

Smoke control systems are critical life safety systems in high-rise buildings, mandated by the International Business Code (IBC). To ensure their effectiveness, these systems must be inspected and recertified on an annual basis, or more often in some jurisdictions. Rimkus can help clients comply with building safety and code requirements through comprehensive testing and certification services.

Our consultants have fire protection credentials, mechanical systems expertise, and extensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards to perform thorough testing of all types of smoke control systems, including both pressurization and exhaust systems. We have a deep, technical understanding of smoke control systems design and operations, enabling us to effectively diagnose problems and provide cost-effective remedies.

Rimkus can also provide code-mandated special inspections of life safety systems for new construction. Our fire protection experts and mechanical and electrical engineers can verify that all components of life safety systems meet applicable codes and standards, and that the systems are properly installed, tested, and certified.

Smoke Control Systems Testing and Certification

In need of Energy and Resilience Services? Contact us: