This includes meticulous review of building envelopes for synergistic and energy saving modifications to support MEP systems changes. This may be building-specific, as has been the case at MIT’s Building 66, where we are providing concrete and actionable options, for potential replacement of the monumental plate glass windows. Minimizing the energy consumption of I.M. Pei’s pristine modernist building while at the same time preserving its streamlined design profiles gets to the heart of our passion for sustainable and affordable architectural solutions.

We also work on a campus-wide basis. At Amherst College we surveyed building envelopes and existing documentation of eight buildings, dating from 1855 all the way to 2004. This included a gymnasium, a library, and multiple academic buildings. We take a hard look at the existing building fabric and systems, review original construction details, and take a deep dive with facilities personnel to inform our recommendations and reports. 

We also help institutions like Amherst College and Smith College as they work to radically reduce carbon input for energy reduction through approaches such as low-temperature hot water loops, ground-source heat pumps and zero-emission renewable electricity. Finegold Alexander assists in the design of updated or new energy facilities, recognizing again that this is truly a collaborative effort, where architects and engineers must work together on behalf of the institution to reach a zero-carbon future.