COMMISSIONING S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y E N G I N E E R I N G
CONTENT 01
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ABOUT US
SERVICES
More than a small business.
Empowering optimization through tailored solutions.
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04
RELATIONSHIPS
EXPERIENCE
Our collaborations inspire us daily.
Many markets for many types of clients.
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TEAM
CONTACT US
Dedicated to turning ideas into innovation.
We make it enjoyable.
CONTINUITY Repeat clients are the bedrock of sustainable business growth. Our clients have trusted our services by returning time and again. Pictured: UK Health Education Building: Paladin’s 48th for UK.
ABOUT US
We coined Game changer in building systemsTM because of our solid commitment to your building’s potential. Founded in 1986, Paladin is a woman-owned business that built upon engineering roots to deliver strategic commissioning, sustainability, and direct-to-owner engineering consulting services for new and existing facilities.
THE PALADIN PROMISE To show unwavering commitment to you and your project from day one through closeout. To recognize key drivers for the project and measure to them. To deliver a complete, efficient project using a strategic blend of talent and resources.
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38 years in engineering 22 years in commissioning 220 buildings commissioned 20 years in sustainability 150 projects LEED-certified or higher
161,432 MTCO2e emissions reductions since 2019 * 100% achievement on LEED goals
* This metric reflects the personalized care, innovative thinking, and supportive teamwork that we invest in every project.
SERVICES Commissioning
Commissioning used to focus solely on energy savings. Now, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful operation of systems in both new and existing buildings. We understand the intricacies of building systems, from building envelopes to electrical systems, and we know how to maintain their functionality for the lifespan. Our process involves architects, engineers, owners, contractors, building managers, and maintenance teams to identify and resolve issues affecting occupant safety, experience, and overall building performance. Paladin provides a range of commissioning services for:
NEW CONSTRUCTION Even with clearly stated expectations for your new building systems, proper function is never guaranteed.
ONGOING COMMISSIONING
Paladin helps ensure the correct installation and
HVAC, lighting, and other systems change over time.
operation of systems of all sizes.
Ongoing commissioning ensures these systems are
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MEP Systems Commissioning
regularly reviewed to keep them in check. Paladin
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Building Enclosure Commissioning
starts with a deep dive into your project and current
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Building Automation Systems Commissioning
facility requirements. We can also perform some
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Renewable Systems
ongoing commissioning steps remotely through metering and utility data.
EXISTING BUILDING Priorities range from carbon reduction and energy performance to operational stability, risk reduction, and operating cost containment. Our capabilities extend to your entire built environment to thoroughly address issues preventing you from reaching these goals.
MEP DESIGN Our engineering services cover everything from managing current inventory to meeting energy goals, cutting emissions, and planning maintenance. Our process begins with an understanding of your goals and carefully studying the project. Then, we offer tailored recommendations and guide you through any implementation challenges. Whether it’s phasing out old equipment or planning upgrades, we forge partnerships to ensure seamless execution and maximum outcomes.
Our goal is to strike a balance between sustainability and financial feasibility.
Engineering
EXISTING BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
UNLOCKING BUILDING POTENTIAL
With decades of experience, our engineers
Your building relies on complex, interconnected
specialize in custom upgrades and retrofitting. We
systems to function properly. If any component fails, it
handle everything from small commercial spaces
can reduce the building’s quality and lifespan.
to large industrial campuses.
Our streamlined design and implementation
BAS DESIGN
processes enable us to work directly with you, focusing
Modern building requirements are more varied as
on your business goals and enhancing the likelihood
the industry leans towards greater dependence on
of achieving them. Since 1986, we’ve been a Game
advanced building automation systems. Our BAS
changer in building systems
TM
optimizing operational
systems to unlock building potential.
design is grounded in a thorough understanding of these systems and their evolving technologies.
Sustainability
Paladin knows the crucial role buildings play in shaping a sustainable future. Our team partners with you to optimize building performance, reduce environmental impact, and maximize energy efficiency. Whether navigating LEED certification, implementing renewable energy solutions, or ensuring compliance with green building standards, Paladin delivers innovative and cost-effective strategies that align with your goals. Our certification consulting aims to simplify complex sustainability challenges for building owners. From project inception throughout the building’s life, we engage in a collaborative process to brainstorm strategies that fit your goals and budgets and identify ways to reduce your building’s environmental impact.
SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING
We specialize in these building certifications:
Our planning solutions integrate sustainability targets
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Green Globes
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LEED
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Sustainability Analysis
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WELL
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Energy Modeling
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Fitwel
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Operational Policy Development
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SITES
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Portfolio Assessment
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Energy Star
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Construction Support
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LEED for Existing Buildings
with your specific goals, budgets, and timelines, and balances environmental, social, and economic factors to promote long-term viability.
Building sustainability requires a holistic approach that accounts for the mental well-being of occupants as well as the economic and social impacts the building has on the environment. Paladin stays ahead of industry trends to bring proven, cost-effective sustainability solutions to building owners, developers, and design teams.
RELATIONSHIPS Contractor Support
We can develop a plan together that’s compliant with the leading certifications while meeting project timelines, budgets, and goals.
Our support equips your contracting team with the knowledge and resources needed to implement sustainable practices throughout the project, including:
1.
Green Building Certifications: From LEED, Green Globes, WELL, and Energy Star, we help contractors secure best-fit certifications.
2. Waste Management Planning: Minimizing construction and demo waste and promoting material recycling and reuse. 3. Sustainability Strategy: Target-setting for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon emissions. 4. Lifecycle Assessment: Evaluating the environmental impact of materials and construction methods. 5. Energy Efficiency Optimization: Renewable energy systems, passive design strategies, and energy-efficient equipment. 6. Environmental Compliance: Compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards. 7.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Metrics like energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage.
8. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identifying potential environmental and social risks and developing strategies to mitigate them proactively.
Additional contractor services are available through Paladin DTS, our sister organization. In perfect alignment with a building owner’s strategic vision and objectives, Paladin DTS seamlessly integrates the creative concepts of designers with the expert craftsmanship of contractors, optimizing building value and profitability. Our comprehensive engineering services drive
Harnessing the latest technology and a steadfast
projects and initiatives forward, supported by a team
commitment to collaboration and timely delivery, we
of skilled professionals with expertise in a wide array
empower our A/E/C partners to minimize rework and
of advanced technical systems including:
maintain high field quality standards. From managing
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Building Information Modeling (BIM)
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3D Coordination Drawings
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Building Information Management
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3D Scanning
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MEP and Building Envelope Testing
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Water Intrusion Testing
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Whole Building Air Tightness Testing (Paladin’s David Burks is one of Kentucky’s two ABAA-certified Air Barrier Auditors)
BIM teams and executing clash detection protocols to identifying vulnerabilities in weather barriers, we offer technical clarity that informs cost-effective and swift decision-making.
EXPERIENCE Paladin specializes in making buildings work better while being kind to the environment. Our commissioning, direct-toowner engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting services can help boost a building’s value, optimize occupant comfort, cut down on costs, and make the world a little greener. From commercial office buildings to healthcare and industrial facilities, educational campuses to municipal infrastructure, our portfolio reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
South Central Regional Library, one of seven completed for the Louisville Free Public Library.
HEALTH EDUCATION BUILDING University of Kentucky Lexington, KY Commissioning LEED Administration
As the largest academic building in UK’s history, the 500,000 sq. ft. Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building will house the colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, Nursing, and the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education. Paladin is guiding all commissioning services as well as LEED certification, ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible practices are well integrated in the project, which is pursuing LEED Silver certification.
Paladin has worked at UK since 2011 on dozens of projects ranging from residence halls to labs.
Governor Andy Beshear cuts the ribbon on the 42,000 sq. ft. facility.
BLUEOVAL SK TRAINING CENTER Commonwealth of Kentucky/ECTC Glendale, KY Sustainability Consulting The 1,500-acre BlueOval SK Battery Park is an all-new battery manufacturing campus that produces batteries for Ford and Lincoln vehicles beginning in 2025. BlueOval SK Battery Park will employ 5,000 people, who will prepare for these future careers through training at the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College BlueOval SK Training Center onsite. Paladin’s services include Sustainability Consulting for the new facility that has a LEED Silver target.
UK PAVILION A, 12TH FLOOR University of Kentucky Albert B, Chandler Hospital Lexington, KY Commissioning
Driven by patient and staff experiences in UK’s various ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12th floor of UK Chandler Hospital is the new home to UK’s medical and cardiovascular ICU and includes a number of modifications and upgrades. Paladin provided commissioning services for the new space that features 64 ICU rooms, all with negative pressure capability, built-in tubing access ports to enable flexibility with IVs and monitors, and can be doubled to handle an influx of patients. Eight rooms have built-in antechambers to allow both a positiveand negative-pressure environment for immunocompromised patients. The floor also houses a Serious Communicable Disease Lab, which allows for quicker blood and tissue testing.
In-wall indicator visually confirms relative pressurization.
ECOFIBRE U.S. HEADQUARTERS Georgetown, KY Whole Building Commissioning LEED Administration Ecofibre is an innovator in industrial hemp, and its U.S. headquarters is as sustainable as its high-performance products. Paladin provided commissioning and LEED administrative services for the 50,000 sq. ft. office, manufacturing, and warehousing space. The team’s objectives included: 1) ensuring LEED Platinum certification to demonstrate Ecofibre’s fundamental commitment to producing sustainable products; 2) shaping the facility as a marketing tool; and 3) ensuring a fully operational facility. The facility’s landmark product is Hemp BlackTM, a hemp derivative with antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can be added to anything; currently in use in textiles, furniture, and flooring.
89% potable water reduction “Paladin helped us become a model for sustainability.” — ERIC WANG Ecofibre Managing Director
Certified LEED Platinum under LEED WDCv4, a first for any warehouse and distribution facility in the U.S. Features include outdoor hemp garden, transparent manufacturing clean rooms, rainwater collection systems, geothermal HVAC, and photovoltaic panels.
Paladin has been Berea’s exclusive commissioning and LEED administration provider for over a decade.
NATURAL SCIENCES BUILDING Berea College
The 133,000 sq. ft. Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health
Berea, KY
science laboratories, nursing laboratories, interactive learning
Commissioning
Building is a state-of-the-art instructional facility with advanced spaces, collaborative spaces, and planetarium. The building envelope system required special attention for its role in humidity control. Paladin commissioned all building, lab, and process systems.
FEDEX FREIGHT FACILITY Green Bay, WI Commissioning LEED Administration
FedEx Freight is a LEED-certified (WDCv4) distribution center with cross-deck bays and office areas. Our efforts helped underscore FedEx Freight’s commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction: over 10,325 MtCO2e were avoided through the systems and materials used in the project.
DEBUNKING THE MYTH
Only 2.7% capital cost premium needed to earn LEED certification
10,325 MTCO2e avoided
Paladin helped FedEx develop a new framework for their development guidelines.
Healthcare services include primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, imaging, laboratory services, and physical therapy.
CHI SAINT JOSEPH HEALTH WINCHESTER NexCore Group Winchester, KY Commissioning (New Construction) The commissioning of this 60,000 gsf medical office building focused on field observation, functional test verification, and issue resolution. The VAV mechanical systems relied on manufacturer’s control sequences, challenging the controls contractor. Our commissioning revealed discrepancies between the engineer’s sequences and the equipment’s delivery. Paladin facilitated discussions among the owner and contractors, leading to solutions that balanced performance and cost. The initial schedule planned for testing before substantial completion, but testing during occupancy was required. The project reveals that even seemingly simple systems in non-critical spaces can present significant challenges.
CENTRALIZED LABORATORY Frankfort, KY Commonwealth of Kentucky Direct-to-Owner Engineering Existing Building Commissioning
Paladin’s first project in 2015 was a solution to large utility bills, mold, and water infiltration. We identified simple repairs, like enabling heat recovery, as well as complicated repairs like notable building pressurization problems that were creating extreme negative pressure. Subsequent projects have included fit-up renovations for an expanding Kentucky State Police Forensic Lab, BSL-3 lab improvements, lab air handling unit replacements, and central utility plant upgrades.
20% energy use reduction Paladin has worked at Central Lab for over 13 years on dozens of projects.
Healthcare services include primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, imaging, laboratory services, and physical therapy.
CHI SAINT JOSEPH HEALTH LONDON NexCore Group
This two-story, 60,000 SF project is one of two medical office
London, KY
consolidates physicians and staff into one facility, maximizes
Commissioning (New Construction)
buildings that Paladin has commissioned for CHI. The facility efficiency, and expands services. We focused on field observation, functional test verification, and issue resolution, which revealed discrepancies between the engineer’s sequences and the equipment’s delivery. Paladin facilitated discussions among owner and contractors that led to balanced performance and cost solutions.
ADVENTHEALTH EXPANSION Manchester, KY Building Enclosure Testing
Paladin DTS conducted comprehensive inspections of the building enclosure, focusing on the Drainable EIFS Wall System, thermal insulation along the exterior perimeter, the Modified Bitumen Roof System, its subcomponents, and the Aluminum Storefront Window System. Our report included detailed accounts of site visit activities, observations, concerns, and recommendations, along with discussions with manufacturer representatives when necessary, to ensure the highest standards of construction quality and performance.
Testing glazing assemblies allowed adjustments to occur during construction.
38% energy use reduction
The project was awarded the 2015 AIA Kentucky Design Excellence Honor Award – New Construction.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY Louisville Free Public Library
The Southwest Regional Library achieved LEED Gold under
Louisville, KY
reviews with particular emphasis on controls strategies and
LEED Administration Commissioning
LEED-BD&C 2009. Paladin performed multiple design performance of the underfloor air system. Our previous experience with those systems informed the specifications and contractual requirements, ensuring correct installation, operation, and potential issue resolution.
SOUTHCENTRAL REGIONAL LIBRARY Louisville Free Public Library Louisville, KY LEED Administration Commissioning
The Southcentral Regional Library serves as a new model of sustainability for Louisville, as the project has received LEED Gold certification. The library has reduced energy usage by 29%, and exceeds the AIA 2030 Challenge for system performance. Paladin created custom Owner’s Project Criteria as a strong foundation. Pivotal to the OPR and subsequent commissioning tasks was the library’s expectation for outstanding performance and equipment and component maintainability. LFPL is well-known for its vested interest in carefully monitoring building efficiency and watching the performance of geothermal fields for changes over time.
29% energy use reduction Paladin has worked with Louisville for 15 years.
Paladin’s commissioning resulted in $385,250 avoided costs over the life of the building.
CENTER FOR APPLIED ENERGY RESEARCH University of Kentucky
UK’s Center for Applied Energy Laboratory #2 is an energy
Lexington, KY
energy and energy storage. The 43,000 sq. ft. lab achieved LEED
Commissioning
research building with a living laboratory devoted to renewable Gold under LEED-BD&C 2009. Paladin commissioned the MEP, lighting, and controls systems, and also verified third-party turnkey dry lab and Class 6 clean rooms operation.
The research space incorporates labs and testing areas for prototyping, characterization, evaluation and lifecycle testing of new photovoltaic and solar materials. The core of the first floor houses analytical instrumentation for bioenergy and biofuels.
Spaces include: 7 individual research labs 5 environmental rooms 1 Class 6 clean room 1 dry lab with a dedicated air-handling unit for 0.5% relative humidity
55% energy use reduction
TEAM
Paladin’s Commissioning Team focuses on optimizing a building’s performance and functionality. With expertise in energy efficiency, system integration, and more, this team is committed to ensuring that everything operate as intended, delivering cost-effective solutions that can enhance overall building performance.
Candice B. Rogers MBA, CCP, CxA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C President
Candice advises on projects ranging from residence halls to manufacturing facilities. “The key to successful implementation of commissioning is understanding the business needs behind the building and developing strategies that support those needs.”
David Burks CxA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CAPM Principal
David brings expertise in commissioning, enclosure field testing, data gathering and analysis, reporting, and testing equipment, maintaining regular correspondence with owner representatives.
Kelsey Leslie PE, CCP Principal
Kelsey brings a wealth of expertise managing intricate HVAC systems and diverse BAS control platforms. Her experience encompasses educational, governmental, and healthcare facilities.
Mark Zoller PE, CxA, CEM Principal
Mark takes complex concepts and explains them clearly. He uses this skill to improve issues resolution in a way that is clearly understood by all invested parties.
Pictured:
ANALYSIS A Triple Bottom Line analysis of the 11 credits pursued revealed that a $540,000 additional investment in sustainable design and construction strategies returned over $988,000 in benefits to stakeholders.
36.9% annual water use reduction 13.4% energy cost savings
University of Louisville’s Belknap Residence Hall achieved LEED Gold while remaining cost efficient, durable, and easy to maintain.
OTHER CX EXPERTS
Comprised of diverse talents and driven minds, we are a collective force dedicated to crafting solutions that transcend challenges. With a shared commitment to excellence and collaboration, we harness individual strengths to deliver results.
Rachel Norton
Commissioning Engineer Rachel Norton brings extensive experience in energy efficiency as a certified energy manager. Her background in energy management offers valuable insights to achieve a building’s optimization goals.
Dave Stapleton PE Mechanical Engineer
Dave conducts field observations, implements construction checklists, and facilitates test verifications. His hands-on approach enhances identifying and resolving early-stage coordination and O&M issues.
Morgan Walli
Commissioning Engineer Morgan is an accomplished energy researcher with expertise in ASHRAE Level Audits. Her diverse skill set and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset to any project.
Davis Reeves CxT
Commissioning Technician Davis’s background as a master plumber, journeyman, and maintenance supervisor provides an operator’s perspective to building systems. He diagnoses equipment failures and offers functional, operable solutions.
859.252.3047 paladinengineers.com 121 Old Lafayette Ave | Lexington, KY 40502