Environmental Learning Center - Goshen College , Goshen , Indiana
At present, this building is on track to achieve a Platinum rating under the LEED Green Building Rating System^TM established by the U.S. Green Building Council.  Having participated in the charrette facilitated by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Eta designed a mechanical system based on ground source heat pump technology. Eta’s innovative use of large paddle blade fans reduce the amount of ductwork required in the building and, in conjunction with operable skylights, completely “flush” the building with fresh air when outside conditions permit. Eta’s extensive computer energy modeling shows that the building will yield annual utility cost savings of 60% versus a building constructed to current industry standards, while at the same time providing the occupants with individual control and operable windows.  Eta also incorporated a wind turbine and solar photovoltaic cells in the design.  As part of its mission to minimize the building’s environmental impact, Eta - in concert with the design team - designed a “rainwater catchment” system to save and store rainwater on site, thereby minimizing any interruption of the natural water flow on site.

Grand Canyon Master Plan
Eta’s president Alan Chalifoux participated in the 1994 design charrette to chart future development in the Grand Canyon . This charrette assembled a team of experts from around the country to develop a road map for development of the Canyon for the next   75 years. Working on topics as diverse as development of local commerce, integration of indigenous cultures, siting and energy/resource efficiency of buildings at the Canyon, the team developed a master plan that was presented to and adopted by the residing United States Secretary of the Interior.

Renovation of Building 216 at Fort Riley , Kansas
Eta designed the MEP systems for the renovation of the building (which formerly housed the fort’s jail) into offices/laboratory for the historic preservation (archaeological) personnel on post. Eta utilized/adapted most of the existing MEP systems so that – with minimal financial and natural resources – the new tenants could renovate this 19th century building and update the MEP systems to meet their new needs. Eta simulated the three-foot thick masonry walls on computer and sized the new HVAC systems to take advantage of the thermal mass provided by these unusually thick walls.

Sheffield Condominiums - Chicago, Illinois
Eta designed the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for this cutting edge condominium building located in the Wrigley Field neighborhood.  Eta’s design utilized radiant floor heat, and integrated this heating system with a solar thermal system and the domestic hot water system.  Given that the building’s icynene insulation creates an incredibly tight and efficient envelope, Eta designed a mechanical system that introduces outside air based on carbon dioxide sensing, to maintain a fresh indoor environment.  The building also uses solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity on site.  As a Registered Energy Professional in the City of Chicago , Eta Engineers provided the documentation required to show that the building meets the Chicago Energy Conservation Code.

Hydroponics Facility - Thomasboro , Illinois
Eta used the cascaded energy approach in designing the heating, cooling, and plumbing systems for this 40,000 SF facility that produces bean and alfalfa sprouts in central Illinois . Space and process water heating are provided by high-efficiency boilers piped in a primary/secondary loop configuration. Heat exchangers piped into this loop utilize what would normally be wasted heat (extracted from the air conditioning system serving the office areas).  After occupying the new facility for over two years, the Owner reported an 84% reduction in heating bills over what he had been paying in his former (smaller) facility.  And these savings were recorded over the winter of 2000-2001, which saw record lows for weeks on end!

Vale Baptist Church - Bloomington , Illinois
A perfect example of environmental sensitivity as expressed through redevelopment of existing building stock, Vale Baptist Church is located in a renovated car dealership in Bloomington , Illinois . Eta Engineers designed the renovation of the former 11,200 square feet of car repair bays into a church sanctuary.  Eta’s design included rooftop units that used carbon dioxide sensing to provide adequate fresh air at minimal cost, baptistery plumbing, new lighting, and integration of the extensive lighting and sound system controls that were added to the sanctuary.

Private Residence
Situated in the mountains of Arizona , this 5000 SF home required an efficient and dependable heating system that did not interfere with the rustic aesthetic of the home’s log cabin construction. Eta designed an in-floor, zoned radiant heat system served by staged boilers that the Owner can control via telephone from the city hours away. With one phone call before departing his workplace in the city hours away, the Owner can energize the boilers and bring the cabin up from its 55° F setback temperature to a more habitable level.

To download a copy of this page in PDF format click on the icon.