Knowledge Hub

Many of us take good acoustics for granted. But it’s common for acoustic efforts to be the first thing cut from commercial projects—or not included in the design phase at all, according to Graham Waks, founder of Music City Acoustics.

Commercial kitchens are one of the most challenging spaces to electrify, but we need to take on this challenge in order to decarbonize restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other buildings with commercial kitchens. Is another green certification program the answer?

Massachusetts has stretched its energy code since 2009, making it the first state to implement a stricter, above-code option. This occurred as part of the Green Communities Act, where municipalities are provided financial and technical support if they meet specific…

The main reason so many programs are pushing heat pumps is to avoid greenhouse gas emissions. Burning fossil fuels emits CO2, and CO2 is a greenhouse gas. But the refrigerants used in most heat pumps we’re installing are also potent…

SWA has supported the Building Innovation Hub since its inception in 2019, and we continue to develop resources and share expertise to help break down local BEPS and net zero mandates and further building electrification.

In a DOE-sponsored study, SWA uncovered why one VRF system used six times less electricity per square foot than another across two similar high-rise apartment buildings in New York City.

SWA was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Building America program to lead a team that will address technical challenges of decarbonizing the U.S. housing stock. Along with our team members HR&A Advisors, Ecosystem, and Kinetic Communities Consulting…

We’re excited to announce that Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA, has been selected for the inaugural class of the RESNET® Recognition of Women Pioneers in the HERS® Industry.

The course illustrates real-world examples of air-source heat pumps, with both good and bad applications. ASHPs can work very well in many cold climates with thoughtful design and implementation. The intent of this course is to help people implement systems…

This module will take an in-depth look into the mechanical systems typically employed in high performance, net zero buildings including heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation. Discussion topics include reasons for, and issues with full electrification and central-plant considerations….