DMA Engineering

🌱 As we welcome 2025, we extend our warmest wishes to all of you for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. We hope you will join us in looking forward to an excellent 2025 of designing cost-effective, planet-friendly buildings with smart energy systems. As dedicated professionals leading the way toward energy efficiency and sustainability, we can not only enhance the functionality and efficiency of each project but also contribute to making the world a better, more sustainable place. We look forward to another year of growth, innovation, and shared success as we work together to shape a more sustainable future and a smarter built environment.    As the AEC industries embrace the future, the notion of doing "old things a new way" is guiding our path to more sustainable and efficient buildings. From using wood in net-zero designs to harnessing advanced HVAC systems, we’re reshaping how we think about materials and energy efficiency. Wood, a time-honored building material, is being reimagined in innovative designs that help us reach our sustainability goals while reducing carbon footprints. At the same time, new HVAC technologies are transforming the way we control energy use, providing smarter, more efficient solutions. As we transition to LEED-certified buildings, these efforts converge to create spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also set a new standard for performance and resilience in the built environment.    Enjoy these articles that inspired and energized us. Happy New Year!  Steven Forrester PE, CGD, LEED AP, BD+C Certified Passive House Designer - Our latest "Trend" newsletter dives into groundbreaking strategies for designing smarter, greener, and more resilient buildings. From reimagining wood as a carbon-storing material to cutting-edge HVAC systems that lower energy costs and emissions, DMA Engineering is leading the way toward energy efficiency and sustainability. Key Highlights: ✔️ Net-Zero Design with Wood – Discover how wood reduces carbon footprints while enhancing durability and energy efficiency. ✔️ Decarbonizing HVAC Systems – Learn how electric heat pumps and smart controls cut costs and emissions in real-world case studies. ✔️ USGBC Impact Report – Celebrate 30 years of green building progress, saving 120M metric tons of CO2—equivalent to 2 billion tree seedlings growing for 10 years! Key Upcoming Events we will be at in January: 📅 Coffee Talk in Lafayette – January 9, 2025 | 8:00am - 9:00am MST 📅 International Facility Management Association – 2025 State Of The Chapter Luncheon – January 14, 2025 | 11:00am - 1:00pm MST 📅 Colorado Building Symposium – January 16-17, 2025 | 7:00am - 5:00pm 📅 NOCOBiz Connect 1st Anniversary – January 30, 2025 | 4:00pm - 7:00pm MST 📅 ULI Colorado - Denver: Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2025 – January 31, 2025 | 10:30am - 2:00pm 📖 Read the Full Newsletter Here: https://lnkd.in/gaw8E75j Stay Inspired, Stay Informed—Subscribe Today👉 https://lnkd.in/gjYdn86M

Warm holiday wishes from DMA Engineering to you and your loved ones! As we celebrate the days and people that are important to us, we also recognize and thank you, the dedicated professionals leading the way toward energy efficiency and sustainability. Your efforts are shaping a brighter, more sustainable future and a smarter built environment. Wishing you a holiday season full of happiness, warmth, and the inspiration to bring 2024 to a happy close and to make 2025 extraordinary!

A2L Refrigerants: Shaping the Future of Mechanical System Design 🚀 Exciting changes are on the horizon for our industry! Thanks to the introduction of the A2L class of refrigerants which are set to replace older options in the next two years, the landscape of mechanical system design is evolving. These refrigerants boast low global warming potential (GWP), lower toxicity and lower flammability, making them a crucial step toward sustainability. Starting January 1, 2025, all packaged equipment will need to adopt these new A2L refrigerants, while split systems, mini-splits, and VRF systems must follow these regulations by January 2026. Compliance with the International Mechanical Code and ANSI/ASHRAE standards will ensure safety and efficiency in our buildings. At DMA Engineering, we're closely monitoring the developments in A2L refrigerants and their impact on system design as they gain traction as a relatively easy way to further reduce global warming potential (GWP). While some manufacturers stick to traditional 4-pipe systems, we’re particularly interested in how Mitsubishi's Hybrid VRF will make waves in the American market. 🔗 https://hubs.la/Q02VqQ1-0 The future is bright, and we’re eager to see how the industry adapts! 💡 What are your thoughts on the transition to A2L refrigerants?

Reviving Tradition: Straw Bale Construction and Sustainable Innovation Did you know that people have been constructing with straw bales for centuries? While it may not be the first building material that comes to your mind, you might like to know how its cellulose content gives it impressive structural integrity – just like wood! Yvon Chouinard, the founder and former owner of the Patagonia outdoor clothing and gear company, is dedicated to preserving our natural spaces for everyone to enjoy. Known affectionately as “Patagucci,” the Patagonia company isn’t just about high-quality outdoor gear; they’re also champions of ethical business practices and environmental stewardship. Now, Patagonia is taking sustainability a step further by showcasing the benefits of straw bale housing in their latest video. In California, Yvon Chouinard joined up with architect and climber Dylan Johnson and a seasoned crew to construct two houses using straw bales that would otherwise have gone to waste. It’s amazing to see how local, natural building materials can positively impact entire communities. Check out this inspiring video on straw bale construction to learn why natural building isn’t just better for the climate – it’s a better way to build. 👇 🔗 https://hubs.la/Q02VqT4h0

Meeting part of the remote team.

Come Join US For Happy Hour in the Roaring Fork Valley

You want to heat your building efficiently while minimizing energy costs. That challenge can be overwhelming for many property owners. But, DMA Engineering makes it straightforward to achieve both comfort and savings. Our electric heating solutions can help you optimize energy use, lower expenses, and enhance the overall performance of your property. We’ll analyze your current heating setup, provide recommendations for energy-efficient systems, and offer a detailed cost-benefit analysis to guide you in making informed decisions that reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. The result? Streamlined heating. Enhanced comfort. Reduced operational expenses. It’s your space—just warmer and more efficient. Discover how it works—get your free quick guide at https://hubs.la/Q02Qnzq40 #ElectricHeating #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #CostSavings #BuildingComfort #DMAEngineering #EnergyAudit

Man, is it hot in the West 🔥 Designing luxury residential projects to withstand intense heat has become a real challenge. With temperatures surpassing historical highs and breaking records, adapting to these extremes is crucial for all building types. At DMA, we say our luxury residential mechanical systems are the "Mercedes" of these building components. Our mechanical systems are fully modulating setups, with the sophistication to provide the ultimate in occupant comfort and handle extreme weather conditions. Our luxury mechanical systems can be upsized with no detriment to the equipment, because the modulation facilitates efficient load operation in the periods when the outside air temperatures are not extreme. These modulating mechanical systems are leading edge today, but they will soon be the norm as we experience more extreme temperature variations here in the West and around the world. Want to learn more about our modulating mechanical systems or other leading-edge designs for luxury residential projects? Please ping me in the comments or reach out directly. #LuxuryLiving #HVAC #EngineeringExcellence #SustainableDesign #ExtremeWeather

Sometimes we need a little help from our engineering friends! DMA Engineering participated in important air leakage testing as part of a recent commissioning project. Due to the impressive size of the doors in this building, our blower door equipment was not large enough to test the building. We called upon our trusted ally Robby Schwarz with BuildTank to assist in performing the test. Robby jumped in on short notice, brought the correct expertise to the project, and helped us perform the testing flawlessly. By engaging in a thorough and cooperative approach, we conducted two formal tests along with blower door assessments to detect and seal leaks accurately. This meticulous process ensured the building met the required performance criteria, allowing it to achieve a successful pass. A huge thank you to @BuildTank and @robbyschwarz for their invaluable support and expertise! #EngineeringExcellence #Teamwork #BuildingPerformance #AirLeakageTesting

🚧 Lessons Learned from Our Latest Air Leakage Test 🚧 Leaky commercial buildings lead to occupant discomfort and high energy costs. At DMA Engineering, our recent project on a large office space called for a series of air leakage tests. From isolating mechanical systems to ensuring continuous air barriers, our rigorous process highlighted the intricacies of meeting the 2021 IECC standards and provided important lessons learned. 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Continuous Air Barriers: Essential for minimizing leakage. 2. Complex Testing Procedures: Commercial vs. residential requirements vary significantly. 3. Scheduling Challenges: Allow ample time for comprehensive testing and adjustments. Curious about how these lessons can impact your project? Check out the full details in our latest email and discover how we can help you achieve compliance. 👉 Read the full email here: https://hubs.la/Q02M5X5h0 Feel free to reach out in the comments or directly if you have any questions! #Engineering #BuildingStandards #AirLeakageTesting #CommercialBuildings #DMAEngineering