July 28, 2009

Borton-Lawson welcomes new Chief Operating Officer to our growing team

Borton-Lawson would like to welcome Babur R. Mian, PE in his new position as Chief Operating Officer for the firm. Mian will be a key member of the leadership team and reports directly to the President.  His responsibilities include providing financial, managerial, and marketing direction over the company’s resources and operations, building and mentoring a team that is integrated and is characterized by leadership and accountability, and organizing an administrative structure that supports the organization in meeting its business and strategic objectives.

Before coming to Borton-Lawson, Mian was President and CEO of Mian Adam and Associates, LLC based in Cambridge, MA, whichfocused on providing management and engineering consulting services.  Prior to that time, Mian served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Geocomp Corporation, Boxborough, MA, where he was responsible for managing all operations of the firm.   Mian has been involved in the engineering construction business for more than 17 years managing projects and business units within the US and projects across the globe.

Mian holds a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA. He holds Professional Engineer (PE) designations in multiple states, and he is a member of the ARTBA Young Executive Leadership Council, ACEC, and Chi Epsilon.

“We are excited to have Babur on board. Our team went through a very thorough selection process to find the best candidate for this position, and I am confident that Babur will play a major role in achieving our strategic goals,” said Christopher Borton, President.

A native of Pakistan, Babur Mian looks forward to finding a home in Northeastern, PA with his wife Sonya.

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July 26, 2009

Northampton County Facilities Engineering and Management Project

A unanimous vote by Northampton County Council on July 23, 2009 awarded Borton-Lawson the County of Northampton Facilities Engineering and Management Services contract. The contract will include organizing existing building plans and project management data; developing building survey forms and interviewing primary users and maintenance staff; performing condition surveys; evaluating survey data, ranking deficiencies, and developing budgetary cost estimates; working with the County to develop a Microsoft Access Database for Facility Planning and Management; and working with maintenance staff to create a building profile manual.

Borton-Lawson’s past relevant experience and reputation at Luzerne County and the facility assessments we recently completed for the Scranton Diocese were very valuable to our presentation.  In addition; we highlighted our strong project management reputation, experience with facilities management, and the ability to offer a functioning facilities maintenance database to Northampton County.

Our team is excited to begin working with Northampton County under this contract.

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July 25, 2009

Green Building Seminar

NEPA Alliance has partnered with Borton-Lawson along with some other consultants to host a Green Building Seminar. Green Buildings 101: Understanding Green Building Design and Construction and Green Building Certifications & Standards will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Avenue, Scranton.

Green Buildings 101 will provide an overview of the design, construction and financing of green buildings. Borton-Lawson's William McFarland, PE, LEED AP will present at the seminar, which will include information on the various green building certifications including, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and Energy Star certification. Several case studies or project profiles will be used to provide insight on designing newly constructed green buildings and remodeling existing buildings to include green components. The seminar will also provide comparison of the operations and maintenance costs of green buildings vs. conventional buildings.

Other questions that will be addressed include:  
1) What is considered a green building? 
2) How to apply for Energy Star and LEED certifications? Understanding the point system 
3) Pros/Cons of new building design versus remodeling existing buildings 
4) Cost comparisons green vs. conventional; Operations & Maintenance concerns, comparisons and models 
5) Identifying qualified green products and furnishings 
6) How to get started and assembling a team 
7) Identifying Funding/Financing options
 
Cost: $20/person (NEPA/NCAC Members $10/person) Includes meals and handout materials.
 
Who should attend? Elected officials, government administrators, Businesses and Organizations considering green buildings, engineers, architects, contractors, nonprofit administrators, maintenance firms and personnel, developers, project managers, bankers, principals, planners, real estate professionals, designers, land use professionals and attorneys.
 
For more information, contact Kurt Bauman, Government Service Manager, NEPA at (570) 655-5581 or email kbauman@nepa-alliance.org   

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June 25 , 2009

Luzerne County Community College's Public Safety Training Institute

Borton-Lawson has been awarded the Public Safety Training Institute Phase 2 Project at Luzerne County Community College.  We formed a team with Edmeades & Stromdahl out of Baltimore, who are safety training design experts and completed the first phase of LCCC’s Public Safety Training Institute.  Borton-Lawson will manage all design, bidding, and construction administration tasks  for this state-of-the-art field training facility with classroom instruction.

The Regional Public Safety Training Center is located at the corner of Middle Road and Prospect Street, Nanticoke, PA, across the street from the College’s main campus. The project includes a Low Speed Driving Area (LSDA), Skid Pad (Heliport for LifeFlight, Perimeter Road/Four Lane Highway Simulation, Off Road Course, Site Training Grounds Building, Vehicle Extrication Storage & Parking, Confined Space and Trench Rescue Props, Complete Collapse Structure and Rescue Rubble Pile, and a Walk of Honor.

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May 21, 2009

Wastewater Treatment & Collection System Upgrade under way at Freeland Municipal Authority

The Freeland Municipal Authority has selected Borton-Lawson to complete the authority’s Wastewater Treatment and Collection System Upgrades. The project consists of expanding the existing wastewater treatment plant from 750,000 GPD to 1.2 Million GPD, including conversion to an activated sludge system. The project will also include the design of a new CSO, as well as conversion of the platform, and rehabilitation of approximately 12,000 LF of sanitary sewers throughout the Borough. This project will involve our civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, survey, environmental and automation design groups. We have been working with the Authority for the last two years in development and approval of their Act 537 Plan, which is needed to authorize the project by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The preliminary budget for the project is $7.5 million.

This regional project will allow the Freeland Municipal Authority to convey and treat sewage from Foster Township, which is currently completing construction of a new sewage collection system. Expansion and conversion of the plant to an aeration-based system will give the authority the ability to continue to meet their required NPDES permit requirement, and allow future growth in this region.

Borton-Lawson is responsible for all project related management in association with this project including design, funding coordination, bidding construction, construction administration, and start-up services.

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May 19, 2009

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May 19, 2009

Interstate 81 reconstruction is next on our agenda

We were informed late Friday afternoon that PennDOT selected Borton-Lawson as the prime consultant for the Interstate 81 through Interstate 4R project in Susquehanna County. 

This project will involve the  reconstruction of Interstate 81 from Exit 223 (New Milford) to the New York border both north and south.  Work to include but not limited to structure rehabilitations, road plans, drainage plans, CEE, pavement designs, signing plans, lighting plans, marking plans, E&S plans, H&H/105 submissions, and post storm water management. Our sub-consultant teaming partners include McTish, NTM, and Navarro & Wright.

PennDOT’s estimated construction cost for this project was $46M, and we are anxiously awaiting the notice-to-proceed to begin work on this exciting project.

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May 8, 2009

Borton-Lawson selected to design the Honesdale Readiness Center through DGS

Borton-Lawson was selected to design the ADDITION and ALTERATIONS TO THE HONESDALE READINESS CENTER
HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY through a contract with the PA Department of General Services! This $7 million facility will incorporate sustainable design features with a targeted rating of LEED NC 2.2 USGBC Silver Certification, including an energy management control system and enhanced commissioning of HVAC/MEP systems. The size of the existing facility is approximately 22,000 square feet with an addition to the new building of approximately 10,000 SF. The facility will house 135 soldiers of Company A 1-109th Infantry Battalion, PA Army National Guard.

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April 24, 2009

Pine Street Neighborhood design team honored

BY MIA LIGHT
STAFF WRITER, The Standard Speaker
Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 4:15 AM

Representatives of the engineering and architectural firm behind the revitalization of Hazleton’s Pine Street Neighborhood gathered at its playground Tuesday to receive The Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

Borton Lawson — the Wilkes-Barre engineering and architectural firm behind the project — was selected as one of nine winners of the Governor’s 2008 Award for Environmental Excellence, which is presented annually by the state Department of Environmental Protection to highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth.

The Pine Street Neighborhood Revitalization project transformed a blighted three-block section of the city into a neighborhood of 24 newly constructed, energy-efficient, single-family homes complete with a neighborhood playground.

Patrick J. Endler, vice president of Borton Lawson’s architecture division, said the award belongs to everyone who partnered in the Pine Street project. “This is a symbol of what can be done in a collaborative effort. This belongs to everybody because this was a team effort,” Endler said as he stood at the community playground holding the engraved acrylic trophy of the governor’s award.

In addition to Borton Lawson, partners in the Pine Street project included the Housing Development Corp. of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, and other government agencies, financial institutions and community groups, Endler said.

Presenting the award were DEP Regional Director Michael Bedrin and Director of Community Relations Mark R. Carmon.

Among those attending the presentation were Carol Phillips, manager of the Housing Development Corp.; Hazleton City Acting Administrator Mary Ellen Lieb; city consulting engineer Bob Dougherty; and Janet Warnick, regional manager at DEP Office of Energy Technology.

Bedrin said the project was a team effort with Borton Lawson as its leader. “These projects don’t happen overnight. They take teamwork. With Borton Lawson’s leadership and the Housing Development Corporation, Mayor Barletta’s office and local community groups, they took an old industrial site and turned it into a beautiful neighborhood,” Bedrin said.

The Pine Street Neighborhood project encompasses a three-block section of the city in a former industrial area that had become largely vacant and blighted. The use of “green technology” in its revitalization made the Pine Street Neighborhood project unique to the region and a model to other communities across the state and the nation.

Construction of the Pine Street homes combined energy efficiency, recycled materials, construction methods and systems that offer homeowners affordability with a reduced “carbon footprint.”

The homes have highly efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and appliances along with solar electric systems on the southern-sloped roofs to supplement the hot water heaters, enabling each home to produce its own solar energy. Through “net metering,” homeowners can transfer any unused energy to the local utility company in return for a reduction in their electric bill. The homes also have a “ventilation heat recovery” system that exhausts internal air and brings in fresh air while recapturing 70 percent of the heat.

The homes are constructed with cost-saving, earth-friendly materials including carpeting made from recycled materials; “fiber cement” siding made of cellulose (wood), sand, cement and water; fly-ash concrete blocks; cellulose insulation; and roof shingles that look like slate but are made of recycled tires with a 50-year lifespan.

Each home includes three bedrooms, a garage, living room, kitchen, bathrooms, full basement and private rear yard with porch. The first floor of each home is designed to be fully accessible to people with mobility impairments: doorways are wider, wall outlets are higher, kitchen cabinets are lower, and bathrooms are equipped to be fully accessible.

Bedrin said the project won the Governor’s Award because it is innovative and earth-friendly. “The good construction and energy efficient design practices were integrated right from the start. It was not an after-thought or an add-on,” he said.

Endler said he hopes the Pine Street concept is one that catches on across the nation. “This was a brand-spanking-new concept in 2002 when this project first started coming together. We are thrilled to be a part of it and we hope it sets an example of what can be done,” Endler said.

mlight@standardspeaker.com

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April 22, 2009

Check out updates on Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek Bridge Replacement

As part of their continuing investment in America's transportation infrastructure, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is replacing two bridges on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Carbon County. The structures are located approximately two miles north of the Lehigh Tunnel between mile markers 73.52 and 75.29.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has developed a portal to provide the public with transparency into the details of the project, its background, the progress of construction and any traffic impacts that drivers may encounter on the Turnpike or the local road system in the project area.

http://www.lehighbridge.com/default.aspx

Borton-Lawson teamed with Walsh Construction to complete this extensive alternate design. Scott Shimko, PE has led the Borton-Lawson team as Project Manager providing professional engineering services including final, alternate concrete bridge design of the four mainline structures carrying the Turnpike over the Lehigh River & Pohopoco Creek. The project also includes revising the previously approved permits, E&S drawings, and Hydrologic & Hydraulic Reports for both the Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek, as well as coordinating with property owners to acquire additional land needed for the revised pier locations due to the alternate design; all within tight time constraints to meet Walsh’s construction schedule.

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April 3, 2009

Is your facility as safe as it should be? We can help with Arc Flash and Electrical Safety

Is your facility in compliance with current OSHA, NEC and NFPA 70E codes?  Let Borton-Lawson help you with their services including:

• Protection Coordination Studies
• Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Site Review
• Compliance Review of your Electrical Safety Program

We offer solutions from the facility manager’s perspective:

• Feasibility Studies for reducing electrical demand, peak shaving opportunities and combined heat and power systems
• Energy Audits and solutions in preparation for utility rate cap expirations
• Documentation for receiving Tax Deductions in line with the Energy Policy Act of 2005
• Facility Condition and Code Compliance Review
• Data Center Power and Reliability Studies
• Green / LEED Alternatives

Our design team’s knowledge of utility construction, facilities engineering, and electrical systems combined with our past experience performing such reviews will allow us to manage the project from a technical and practical perspective providing the best solution.

Please contact our Director of Electrical Engineering Services,
Bill McFarland, P.E., LEED AP at 570-821-1994 x344 wmcfarland@borton-lawson.com for more information

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March 26, 2009

Borton-Lawson works with PennDOT District 8-0 to design one of the first bridges using Economic Recovery funds

Borton Lawson worked with PennDOT, District 8-0 to perform a rehabilitation design of the existing two-span, steel thru-girder structure carrying SR 324 over the Pequea Creek in Martic and Pequea Townships, Lancaster County.  During the preliminary engineering phase, Borton-Lawson and District 8-0 used a Pro-Team concept to jointly evaluate potential design options.  A cost comparison and life cycle analysis was performed and the design team decided that the entire superstructure should be replaced as a more economical solution.  This option allowed the continued use the existing pier and abutments to offset the cost of a full replacement.  The final PS&E package for the SR 324 project was delivered to District 8-0 last month.  The bidding process was released 12 months ahead of schedule. The estimated construction cost of this project is $1.4 million.

The most interesting part of this project is that it is an Economic Recovery Project meaning they are using stimulus dollars to complete this project.  We understand that this bridge project is among the first delivered under the Stimulus Act in the state and the country. 

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March 4, 2009

The NEPA Green Exchange

Three of Borton-Lawson's engineers (Matt Neiman, Bill McFarland, and Chuck Stajewski) were all involved in planning The NEPA GREEN EXCHANGE with PSPE and AIA PA.  Borton-Lawson will have an opportunity to promote our green experience and LEED capabilities at this event held on March 19, 2009 at the Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

The Luzerne County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers together with the AIA PA / Northeastern Chapter are sponsoring a Green Forum called:

The NEPA Green Exchange

How do you save money and conserve on natural resources while constructing (or retrofitting) your dream home or business building?  This is the question that the NEPA Green Exchange plans to answer during its forum of green professionals, architects, engineers, vendors and the public at no charge on March 19, 2009 at the Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

Both the speakers and the vendors who will be at the forum can be found through the NEPA Green Exchange Plan schedule link.  The event will be kicked-off with introductory and keynote speeches discussing Pennsylvania State initiatives and funding that make implementing green improvements easier on the pocket book.

The two break-out speaker sessions will focus on how materials and processes based on conventional raw materials and energy sources can be replaced by renewable or recyclable materials and energy sources often at a savings.  The practical aspects of implementing green improvements in residences, roofing systems, ceilings, appliances and lighting and controls will be presented.  Applying solar panels, wind power and geothermal energy to light, heat and cool homes and buildings economically will also be discussed.

The kinds of support to new and developing businesses, in implementing green improvements, which are available from both Ben Franklin and The Sustainable Energy Fund, and, making green initiatives part of the building code are subjects that will be discussed in separate sessions.

Supporting the speaker sessions of the forum will be twelve separate vendor displays of renewable or recyclable building materials, energy saving lighting systems and renewable energy sources that will be shown concurrently with the speaker sessions.  In each case achievable cost savings will be indicated.

Our goal is to inform and educate both professionals and the public as to how they can economically save natural resources by employing green processes and materials in their homes and buildings.

Contact Information
Forum Program:  Norm Johnstone
nejstone@yahoo.com
570-824-2371

www.nepagreenexchange.com

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February 13, 2009

An article from Morrissey Goodale's A/E Insider: Getting Smart about the Stimulus Plan
by Lori Oakes-Coyne, Morrissey Goodale

Most A/E firms that have the mix of services to take advantage of stimulus package dollars are keeping close watch on the bill’s progress through Congress. However, some firms are going above and beyond to be sure they are well-positioned to be on the receiving end of those funds. Here are a few examples of the jockeying efforts some A/E firms are making to position their firms relative to the stimulus package:

Tom Lawson of Borton-Lawson, a mid-sized multi-disciplinary A/E firm headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, PA, recently worked his existing relationships with his state’s senatorial staff to obtain an audience with Pennsylvania Senators Specter and Casey. Tom, along with another consulting firm representative and two contractors from central Pennsylvania, were invited to Washington D.C. to present the case of PA firms who are eager to work and hire when stimulus funding is released. Senator Specter, who was just named to the Senate Appropriations Committee, commented that he was happy to meet with “the people who get the work done” and that he’d make sure Congress knew that Pennsylvania businesses were ready and able.

Tom points out that it was his years of deep networking within local, state and federal organizations that allowed him to leverage this meeting. A few of the organizations Tom is involved with include the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, ARTBA (the American Road and Transportation Builders Association), PSPE (Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers), ASHE, and the regional Chamber of Commerce. According to Tom, it’s critical for firm leaders to be actively involved with both professional and advocacy organizations: “You can’t be just sitting there. You have to be engaged, contribute, then lead.”

Dave Huelskamp, Senior Vice President at Merrick & Company, a multidiscipline firm based in Aurora, CO, is also carefully monitoring the potential flow of Federal dollars. Merrick is counting on their existing IDIQ contracts to put them on the receiving end of stimulus funding. Like Tom Lawson, Merrick personnel are also involved in local and Federal advocacy groups. Dave points out that representatives from the Aurora Economic Development Group, of which Merrick has been a part for many years, leave for D.C. next month.

Merrick also develops and maintains critical relationships such as Strategic Teaming Agreements with 15 to 20 local contractors. These arrangements may help Merrick to absorb some of the design-build “shovel-ready” work that comes down through the stimulus plan. As a final approach to positing the firm for the stimulus plan, Merrick firm leaders are purposely reaching out to existing Public Works clients to make sure they’re aware that Merrick’s capabilities are at the ready.

Parson Brinkerhoff, like Merrick, has taken a client awareness approach to positioning themselves for the stimulus package. They’ve added a section on their website dedicated to the plan which centralizes relevant reports and documents, includes a state-by-state summary of agency responses, chronicles the latest news from Washington regarding the stimulus, and lists detailed biographies of PB staff industry leaders. In addition, the website details three service options PB has at the ready to assist clients in capitalizing on the stimulus plan, including project acceleration, business accountability and enhancement, and accountability and effectiveness.

While the economic stimulus plan may not turn out to be a panacea for the entire A/E industry, many firms should still benefit from it. So get educated about where the money will flow and put your firm in a position to win more work.

To keep up with the A/E Insider visit: http://www.morrisseygoodale.com/aeInsider/index.asp

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January 16, 2009

Obama talks to engineering world about stimulus plan

Borton-Lawson is an active member of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). ACEC members are involved in virtually
every aspect of infrastructure development and improvement, from transportation,water projects and environmental restoration
to energy development and transmission. America has seriously underinvested in its infrastructure over many years. ACEC asks President Obama what steps he will take as president to reverse this trend and promote the kind of infrastructure needed to sustain a growing economy?

Click here for ACEC's Economic Stimulus Resource Center

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January 19, 2009

Pine Street Neighborhood receives National Weatherization Award

Borton-Lawson, in partnership with the Housing Development Corp. of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Mayor Louis Barletta’s office, and other government agencies, financial institutions and community groups, spearheaded the Pine Street Neighborhood revitalization that focused on green technology and smart growth design of the 24 single-home complex.

The Pine Street Neighborhood has been selected to receive the first National Weatherization Awards, recognizing innovative design and efficiency for low income housing. The National Weatherization Awards will recognize innovative design and implementation for energy efficiency in low-and-moderate income housing.  The awards ceremony will be held on February 4, 2009 in Washington, DC in conjunction with the NASCSP Mid Winter Training Conference.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three projects in each of three categories – single-family existing home, single-family new construction, and multi-family building (6 or more units).  One additional prize will be awarded to the organization demonstrating the best example of state-of-the-art energy efficiency improvements featuring solar, ground water heat pumps and/or other renewable energy systems. 

The Award winners will be featured in Home Energy and State & Local Energy Report with site photographs and project descriptions - including products, vendors and funding sources (where applicable).  “We need to recognize this hardworking group who has been committed to energy efficiency long before it was in to be “green”.  The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has weatherized more than 5.9 million homes, making a real impact in climate change, the economy, and fighting energy poverty”, says Robert Adams, Director, WAP Services, NASCSP.  In 2008, weatherized homes will save $1.19 billion for low-income families.

For additional information on the National Weatherization Awards, contact Rose Holliday or visit www.stateenergyreport.com/awards.  For more information on Weatherization, visit http://www.nascsp.org/wap.htm or www.waptac.org.

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January 5, 2009

Endler elected as Statewide President of the American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania

Patrick J. Endler, AIA, LEED AP, our Vice President of Architecture has been elected the President of the American Institute of Architects of Pennsylvania (AIA PA).  AIA PA promotes the profession of architecture throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania while striving for the highest quality in the built environment.  AIA PA was the first statewide association of the AIA and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2009.

Endler has been practicing architecture in NEPA since 1990 and has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the AIA prior to serving on the AIA Pennsylvania Board of Directors.  “It is an honor to represent member architects, designers of our cities and homes, from all corners of Pennsylvania.  In this capacity, I plan to promote the profession and heighten public awareness of architects as problem-solvers and community leaders.” says Endler.

As President of AIA PA, Patrick will work closely with the Board of Directors and legislators on architects’ key government affairs issues, such as public/private incentives for green construction and historic preservation.  AIA PA is also supporting reforms for school construction including smart growth schools, continuing the School Mandate Waiver Program and opposing a clearinghouse for ‘stock school plans.’  During the year Patrick will visit and work with each of the eight local Pennsylvania Chapters of the AIA in representing the issues that impact the nearly 3,000 AIA PA members.

President of Borton-Lawson Architecture Patrick J. Endler has been in the field of architecture since 1999 and currently leads the Architecture Division for Borton-Lawson. Patrick specializes in multi-discipline coordination and is LEED accredited. Patrick is a graduate of Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre, and earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.  He is a Registered Architect in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

For more information on AIA PA, visit www.aiapa.org.

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December 30, 2008

Don't get shocked by electric deregulation - take small steps now to save big later

Your electric company is becoming competitive, are you? Your electric costs may rise dramatically with the expiration of rate caps later this year. Electric rates in Pennsylvania have been capped since the 1990s as part of de-regulation. These caps are expiring. Actual increases depend on several variables, but numbers greater than 50% have been mentioned by the utilities.

Borton-Lawson can help you “get a grip” before you get “shocked.” A no-cost evaluation of your bills, along with a quick walk-through of your facility by our energy professionals, may reveal opportunities to save.

For more information, contact Borton-Lawson at 570-821-1999 and ask for Bill McFarland, PE, RPA, FMA, LEED AP or Tom Maheady, PE.

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December 30, 2008

Energy Savings and Tax Incentives

Many energy saving projects are denied because the physical plant that is already in place adequately does its job or because the economic justification is just not there.  The packing floor is well lit and the offices are well cooled so all is well in the world.  Problem is, the world has or is about to change for many of you.  Utility rate caps are being eliminated and the price of power is going up.  The federal government and soon the Commonwealth will begin to offer tax incentives for moving towards energy efficient solutions.  Increased utility rates coupled with tax incentives will make projects recently thought of as unjustifiable not only economically justifiable but a necessity in order to stay competitive.

Under current legislation the local utilities of Citizens Electric, UGI Utilities, Wellsboro Electric, and Pike County Electric have had their rate caps eliminated.  Customers have seen increases of up to 60% depending on their utility and their rate classification.  PPL rate caps expire at the end of ’09 and Pennelec, Met-Ed, as well as PECO Energy expire at the end of 2010.  Little has been published on how large a jump customers served by these utilities will see but they should expect similar increases.

Costs due to higher electric pricing can be offset by taking energy efficient measures.  Lighting is usually targeted first, with the installation of efficient lamps and ballasts.  Usually overlooked are HVAC and hot water modifications.  Under the IRS’ permanent rule, a building needs to achieve a 16⅔% reduction over ASHRAE90.1-2001 in any combination of heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and interior lighting systems to qualify.  Unfortunately, other energy reductions such as receptacles and process loads do not apply.

Did you know that work of this type performed after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal tax rebate?  If you have done such work already why not consider getting your tax deduction.  If you haven’t done anything yet – you have time, in October the IRS extended the commercial building tax deduction to cover all property placed in service prior to January 1, 2014. 

There are several ways to qualify for the tax deductions:

• Whole Building including lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and building envelope energy reduction of 50%.  This deduction is maxed out at $1.80/sq ft.
• Lighting only energy reduction of as little as 25% with maximum benefit above at 40% reduction.  Warehouses require 50% energy reduction.  This deduction varies from $.30 to $.60 per sq ft.

How the deduction is obtained:

• The IRS requires that certification by a qualified individual.  This certifier shall provide documentation for IRS audit purposes; said documents are not submitted with your tax return.  Although the IRS is vague regarding who can be a qualified individual, NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) defines it as a professional engineer or a licensed contractor.
• In most cases, an approved software program is to be used to calculate the savings.  Usually the selected qualified individual can perform this portion of the analysis.
• Verify that light levels after construction meet code requirements; this can be done with light level meter measurements or via a software program.
• File all capitalized items under the “Other Deductions” line of your tax return.

In October, PA House Bill 2200 was placed into law as Act 129 of 2008.  The Public Utility Commission is scheduled to adopt an energy efficiency and conservation program by January 15, 2009.  The highlights of the bill include:

• Reduce electricity use by 2.5% of the projected 2012 demand by 2013. 
• Every customer to receive a smart meter within 15 years.
• Pricing plans based on the average rate, peak/off-peak rates, and hourly rates thus allowing customers to move consumption to cheaper times of day.
• Institution of programs for businesses to replace inefficient lighting and HVAC equipment.
• Incentives to families for the purchase of high efficiency appliances, air conditioning, lighting, furnaces and boilers.

Now is the time to begin to think about money savings energy solutions.  The tax breaks and the increased cost of power make your return on your energy saving investment even greater.

Article by Bill McFarland, PE, LEED AP
Director, Electrical Engineering Services
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x344

Borton-Lawson is not in the business of providing tax or legal advice.  This document is for general discussion purposes only and is not intended or written to be used by any tax payer for the purpose of tax filing or avoiding tax penalties.  Any taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

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December 30, 2008

Borton-Lawson takes on technology

Picture having a three-dimensional, virtual image of your project that can be handed from the professional design team to the contractor and finally to the client, each adding their own discipline-specific knowledge while tracking changes and capturing maintenance information. You can stop dreaming, Building Information Modeling (BIM) can do all of those things, and Borton-Lawson now has it.

BIM is a three-dimensional design/development tool which allows for the creation of intelligent objects. The American Institute of Architects has defined BIM as “a model-based technology linked with a database of project information”. It is a set of information generated and maintained throughout the lifecycle of a building that captures the details of the project from the construction to facilities operations. One of the most obvious benefits of this project is the designer’s ability to showcase three-dimensional renderings of a proposed project to a client. This software allows them to visualize the end product, minimize change orders, and more easily discuss design details and options. BIM is able to model representations of the actual parts and pieces being used to build a building, which is a shift from the traditional Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) method of drawing with vector-based lines.

BIM is an evolving concept; one that will continue to change as the capabilities of technology and our own ability to manipulate this technology improves. BIM has the potential to decrease errors made by design and construction team members as a result of the software’s ability to inform team members about parts of the building in conflict through detailed computer visualizations of each part. The software’s ability to reduce errors in the design phase is a great part of cost savings realized by all members of a project.

Borton-Lawson has also recently invested in software to better design industrial control systems called Promis•e. This program integrates elements such as electrical schematics, connection lists, and panel layouts which allow the user to work in a quicker and more efficient manner. Some of the benefits include project-based workflow, automated error checking, and an integrated parts database. Due to the program’s superior reporting and documentation capabilities, our automation team has already seen an increase in efficiency through the use of this product.

Borton-Lawson is currently training staff across all disciplines on the functionality of BIM and new CAD platforms. Our team’s response has been positive, and we are all excited to have the latest tools to best serve our clients!

Article by Donna Askew
Senior Director of Information Technology
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x287

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January 13, 2009

Who will engineer our future?

We are currently living in a world where the headlines that grace our front pages speak of recession, the rising unemployment rate, and bailouts.  Despite the recent slowdown in the economy, there is an ongoing need for more engineering graduates and the career opportunities are many, rewarding and certainly varied. 

As I continue my own personal journey of educating myself on the different disciplines our firm houses, I am simply amazed at how engineers shape the way we live our lives.  From having clean water to drink, to the roads we drive on, to having more efficient, green ways of living and doing business; engineering is where you want to be if you are thinking of a career path. 

The best part is, under the umbrella of engineering, there is really something for everyone and according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall job opportunities in engineering are expected to be good, with starting salaries expected to be the highest among entry-level college graduates.  Even once you decide upon a specialty, there are again many opportunities for you to refocus and become an expert in your field.  Whether you take the path of a project manager, develop into a sales and business development expert, or focus on learning all the newest technology and become a strong technical lead within the design team, a career in engineering is one that can be shaped into your dream job.

At Borton-Lawson, we are a progressive, unique group of engineering and architectural professionals, specializing in exceeding the expectations of our clients. If you would like to learn more about our organization, please contact our marketing or business development professionals for further information. For current career opportunities, please visit our career page.  The future is depending on it.

Article by Laura Marino
Human Resources
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x488

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November, 2008

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME - The client's perceived value of a valuable firm

Proper planning will almost always save you time, money, and frustration and, as many soon realize, is worth the investment to prevent costly issues later in a project. It may not be until your project is going through final inspection that you discover deficiencies in the design that can be very expensive to fix. This is an example of “getting what you pay for” in professional design. A firm that can design a job “cheaply” may not have regard for quality, construction costs, or doing things right or most efficiently the first time.

One of our engineers recently attended the final inspection of a residential subdivision for a municipal client. During the inspection, he observed several inefficiencies in the design. The most obvious of the inefficiencies was the disregard for cost related to depth of storm piping. Several, if not most, of the storm inlets on the project were placed with invert depths of well over four feet, in most cases six to ten feet. While this may not seem a major expense, it is easy to estimate that the additional rock excavation, based on excessive depth for the storm piping, was over five times what it could have been. The inefficiency in design of the system cost the developer an additional $40,000 for the storm piping alone. While the design engineer did perform the stormwater design correctly in accordance with the land development regulations, the design engineer did not “step back” and take the time to look at the overall design and consider the construction cost of the project.

Time, design cost, and construction cost are the three criteria that can help an engineer to determine the professional service needs of the client. Unfortunately, choosing two of the criteria will often drive the third. If an owner wants a quick and cost-effective design, more often than not, the design cost will be higher. However, if time is not an issue, the client is more likely to get the same design for a lower price tag.

The design professional must be aware of any extenuating factors in order to help the owner determine what is best for them. For instance, an owner may have a lease purchase arrangement on a parcel of land that is contingent on approval. The daily lease rate may be greater than additional construction costs and therefore justify a less cost-efficient design; a decision only the owner can make. Regrettably, the residential subdivision featured in this article was not a lease purchase, and the owner unknowingly paid much more for the overall project while saving on the design cost.

The best thing you can do to complete a successful project is to do your homework. In past articles we discussed how to shop for an engineer and to look for a firm that has your best interest in mind. When choosing a consultant, it is important to look for good client communication standards. Determine your main point of contact, which should include a clear scope of work and discussion if the scope should vary. Also, be sure to schedule updates on the status of your project. Set the expectation to your consultant that you expect that through good communication things will be done right the first time. This approach will ultimately save you time, money, and frustration.

Article by Crystal Mathew
Marketing Communications Manager
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x262

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October 15, 2008

Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence Pine Street Neighborhood

Nine organizations from across Pennsylvania were honored for innovative projects that demonstrate their environmental stewardship and promoting economic development in Pennsylvania. From advances in clean energy to community revitalization, each of this year’s winners has made invaluable contributions to improving the health of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

Borton-Lawson was selected as a recipient for their work on the Pine Street Revitalization, which has been acclaimed for utilizing “Green Technology” and “Smart Growth” as part of a residential development. The Pine Street Neighborhood Revitalization encompasses a three-block area of downtown Hazleton. The area traditionally served the city as a light industrial district but for the past decade, a change in the city’s demographic caused the area to become largely vacant and no longer viable.

Borton-Lawson, in partnership with the Housing Development Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Mayor Louis Barletta’s office, and other government agencies, financial institutions and community groups, spearheaded the 24 single-home complex.

Pine Street Homes have highly efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and appliances. Energy efficient construction paired with these features can provide energy cost savings of about 30 percent over standard construction. The inclusion of solar electric systems on the southern-sloped roofs to supplement the domestic hot water heaters enables residents to produce their own solar energy, thereby cutting down on utility costs.

Additionally, through net metering, residents have the ability to transfer any energy surplus to the local utility, in return for reductions in the level of billable energy consumption. Pine Street homeowners can expect to spend about $700 a year for energy costs, as opposed to more than $1,100 a year for owners of a traditional home built to code. In addition, ventilation heat recovery systems were used recapturing 70 percent of the heat.

“The 2008 Governor’s Award was highly competitive. It was a challenge to choose from among the best of the best. Applicants are to be commended for their efforts in putting in place projects that take on environmental problems in ways that build new businesses, enhance the bottom line and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in their communities.”

Article by Crystal Mathew
Marketing Communications Manager
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x262

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October 15, 2008

Water and Wastewater -critical to your community

Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and affects almost everything in our daily lives. Whether it be enjoying our morning coffee, taking a hot shower, or packing an umbrella for a trip to the lake, we only notice this necessity when it is not there.

Communities, businesses, schools, and homes all depend on high quality water to get through each day. Borton-Lawson’s team of water and wastewater professionals make it their mission to stay current on evolving water and wastewater issues that face communities. From clean drinking water, to proper storm water management, to a reliable wastewater treatment system, having a trusted and trained expert on your side to find solutions is crucial. Because of Pennsylvania’s numerous streams, lakes and rivers, there are many considerations related to impacting water systems that municipalities and industries must evaluate when planning their projects.

New Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) regulations will soon take affect that place limits on the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients) a wastewater treatment plant can directly discharge into the Susquehanna River Basin, which includes the Susquehanna River and all its tributaries. These new regulations are driven by an EPA mandate to clean up the Chesapeake Bay of which the Susquehanna River is a major tributary. Higher concentrations of these nutrients in rivers, lakes, and streams cause increased growth of algae, which decreases dissolved oxygen and subsequently causes depletion of fish populations and aquatic plant life. Evaluation of upgrades to existing municipal sewage treatment systems and industrial wastewater plants that discharge into the Susquehanna, or one of its tributaries, is a must to ensure meeting these new regulations. Early sewage planning for developers is also a must as these new regulations will impact the feasibility of implementation of their projects.

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are still commonplace today in many municipalities in Pennsylvania. CSOs are storm sewers that accept overflow from sewage lines under high flow conditions, typically during a heavy rain event. The use of CSOs results in raw sewage directly entering streams and rivers. For valid reasons, the EPA and PA DEP are pushing municipal governments to separate sewage lines from CSO overflows to ensure raw sewage is properly treated before discharging to Pennsylvania’s waters. The cost for separation of these systems is very expensive and municipalities typically don’t have funding to support these projects. However, the cost for investigation and elimination of sources of Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) into sewage lines is usually much less, and can dramatically minimize the frequency of sewage overflow events in a combined sewer system. Minimizing I/I can be a cost effective and environmentally responsible method for municipalities to maintain a CSO system until funding becomes available for separation of these sewers.

It is particularly important for municipal and sanitary authorities, industrial sites, and developers to stay current on water and wastewater standards and take responsibility for the effects their activities can have on a community. Government regulations help to protect communities, and a qualified water/ wastewater consultant can help a group to be environmentally responsible and avoid issues down the road.

Borton-Lawson is the consultant of choice for numerous municipal & sanitary authorities, private developers, and industrial clients. Our firm is experienced in storm water collection conveyance & management, water supply treatment and distribution design, as well as sewage collection, conveyance & treatment design. We help our broad range of clients make the best use out of one of nature’s most critical resources.

Article by Samantha Albert, PE
Wastewater Project Manager
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x243

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November, 2007

An inside out view of our firm

If you could see what I see as I sit in the midst of dozens of engineers and architects on a daily basis at Borton-Lawson, you would quickly come to appreciate the value of what they do as I have over the past two years. My preconceived notions of engineers included everything from pocket protectors to blue socks paired with black velcro shoes. I must admit that there is the occasional instance of stereotypical engineering behavior, even at our firm, but those quirks do not change the determination, innovation, and integrity that these individuals possess.

When I was hired by the marketing department to do creative writing and design for Borton-Lawson, it was instantly apparent that my personality and abilities were on the opposite side of the spectrum from the majority of individuals I shared office space with. The colorful, abstract ads that I became so proud of up to this point were given blank stares by the technical staff. Trying to get a structural engineer to tell me how the finished project of his truss system design made him feel was a foreign concept. As discouraging as these dissimilarities were in the beginning, it has turned out to be a rewarding challenge to go beyond my ideas to proactively learn what the people in this organization are all about and, in turn, communicate that to our customers.

Through countless conversations and meetings, I began to understand the business and the lingo of the engineering world, but it was ultimately through the trade shows, job fairs, and team projects that I really began to connect with these designers on another level, participate in their interests, and understand how they arrived at where they are today. I was surprised to learn that many of these engineers and architects have been working toward their design careers since they were small children with legos and sketchpads, while many continue to push themselves to achieve the next level in their field. These dedicated professionals truly love what they do and are enthusiastic at even the prospect of working on new, exciting projects.

Every day I get to watch project teams complete their work with pride and ownership. Quality is never overlooked in our firm, and each project is treated as if it was their own. I have seen the unique bond between a company Vice President and a recent graduate reminiscing about their similar engineering class experiences at Penn State, proud designers taking their families to the anticipated Great Wolf Lodge that they spent four years designing, and a recently promoted project manager leading a design team to the successful completion of a local project.

I write this to communicate the heart of Borton-Lawson’s owners and staff from an “ inside out” perspective as well as share the effect it has had on me and my career. Borton-Lawson is here to make our client’s vision a reality, and we are glad to do it.

Article by Crystal Mathew
Marketing Communications Manager
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x262

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February, 2007

The exceptional value of good design

La bella figura is an Italian phrase that means “the beautiful figure”. This idiom sums up the Italian attitude of beauty being the most important thing and why you will notice some of the world’s most cherished art forms and architecture when visiting that country.

Students of many accredited Architecture programs are required to study for a time in Rome to absorb the culture and learn from the historic and iconic design of the region’s magnificent structures. These educational experiences coupled with an architect’s innate ability to visualize, plan, and reason through problems can offer a client an invaluable resource to provide a lasting, effective design for each project.

A talented, well-trained architect not only possesses the ability to sketch out a series of creative ideas for discussion with the client but also has the reasoning skills to produce precise drawings used to construct a solid, functional building as well as the foresight to avoid costly construction surprises. These individuals can typically be as wildly creative or as practical as you need them to be depending on your budget, timeline, or taste. This makes the service of architecture an invaluable asset to any project.

Many times the need for architectural drawings are considered a necessary evil by contractors or developers in today’s fast-paced world. However, considering the absolute value that an experienced architect can provide will allow you to see beyond the cost to the long-term savings of a good design. Flexibility, distinctiveness, experience, and attention to detail are what a licensed architect can offer your project saving you time, reducing costly redesign during construction, and allowing you the ability to prepare in advance for future expansion.

The architects and designers in the Architecture Division at Borton-Lawson bring the culmination of unique ideas and abilities, significant educational experiences, and years of working with diverse clients to your projects. The designers of Borton-Lawson strive to produce quality designs that benefit our community and positively affect the environment. This approach provides personal fulfillment for them and lasting, effective, and safe environments for the public. A building is etched into the landscape of a community and may be noticed by people for years to come. Why not recruit the talent of the designers in our Buildings Division to design your next project?

Article by Crystal Mathew
Marketing Communications Manager
Borton-Lawson
(570)821-1994 x262

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