The Cool Factor
Letter from Vice President Derek Dostal
Dear TD friends and alumni,
As we work toward new goals in 2025, TDIndustries reflects on a truly historic 2024 filled with remarkable milestones and an unwavering commitment to the principles that have always set us apart. Not only have we welcomed an impressive number of new Partners into the TD family, but more than 100 former Partners also rejoined us in the past year, each bringing invaluable experience, enthusiasm, and a shared belief in what makes this company unique.
Our future is brighter than ever. We are poised for more significant growth, with plans to expand our Partner base in the coming year and beyond. This progress comes at a pivotal time, as we celebrate one year benefiting from the leadership of our CEO, Frank Musolino, whose guidance continues to strengthen our focus on the core values and principles that have defined TDIndustries for generations.
A key priority for us is our initiative to restore the TD culture. We firmly believe that our culture not only thrives but also blossoms with every new Partner who shares our vision and passion. Together, we ensure TDIndustries remains a place where every Partner feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to the company’s enduring success. Acknowledging your meaningful contributions to TD’s success and our wish to stay in touch, we’re sending you this issue of TDSpirit to share some of the exciting projects we’re working on.
I appreciate all that has been accomplished and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. I look forward to the future as we build upon this extraordinary legacy together.
Derek Dostal Vice President, Talent Acquisition and Engagement
TDIndustries Expands Process Piping Capabilities with New Facility in Plano, Texas
TDINDUSTRIES’ PROCESS SOLUTIONS
TEAM has successfully relocated to a new, larger facility in Plano, Texas. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to meeting the increasing demand for high-purity and ultra-highpurity (UHP) prefabrication services.
The new Plano facility totals 28,000 square feet – a significant expansion from the previous 16,000 square feet in Richardson, Texas. This additional production space allows TD to better serve large-scale projects and meet the needs of growing and emerging markets in the region.
“It became clear that TD would benefit from expanding its Process Solutions facilities to accommodate increased and diverse production demands,” said Process Solutions Vice President Zach Sanchez. “This expansion will enable us to effectively support both our current and future customer needs as the region continues
to grow and new opportunities arise.” TD can now take on an increased volume of infrastructure buildout, renovation and mechanical equipment installation by leveraging efficiency gains through the manufacturing improvements realized through the expansion. Plus, the new facility provides more room for the Process Solutions team to collaborate with TD’s other manufacturing facilities and project teams to prefabricate spools and assemble modular racks and skids for efficient on-site installation.
The additional space at the Plano location also allows TD to segregate spaces for high-purity and UHP stainless and plastics fabrication – a necessity as TD diversifies into new markets, like immersion and direct liquid cooled (DLC) data centers, pharmaceutical research labs, and food and beverage processing.
This move reinforces TD’s commitment to growth, innovation and excellence in high-purity fabrication services. The expansion aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to address the evolving needs of its clients.
High Fives and Hellos: Building Together, Growing Together
AS CEO FRANK MUSOLINO begins his second year at the helm, TD continues to invest in and grow its leadership team to best serve our customers and industry partners. Please join us in celebrating the following promotions and new hires.
PROMOTIONS
President, Construction
DAVID FULTZ President, Preconstruction and Business Improvement
President, Building Services
SANTIMAW Chief Information Officer
MIKE
MATT TERRY
NEW HIRES
LAUREN TURNER
MARK AGANS Director, Supply Chain Management
Why Did You Come Back to TD?
JARED YUN, PROJECT MANAGER:
“It’s the culture and the people. Other companies might have a few who fit the mold, but TD makes it clear from the start. We strive to follow our values, despite the challenges of a big company. It’s about doing our best, not just making money. That’s what makes TD special for me.”
MCKENNA SCHUTTY, SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER:
“During my internship, I saw how intertwined safety is in each department and across the enterprise. The appreciation of our employee-owners’ safety goes beyond just our core values; it’s a way of life. Being part of an everevolving, innovative team makes me excited about the impact we have and how we will grow in the future. I’m just lucky to be part of it!”
CHRIS BROWN, SVP:
“I returned to TD because of the authentic culture and great Partners who work here. Other places I’ve worked claimed to have a great culture, but I quickly realized those were just statements that didn’t reflect the reality of the organization. TD genuinely values its people and consistently lives its core values every day. I’m truly happy to be back!”
JORGE PANAMENO
Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR:
Service - Dallas, Fort Worth, West Texas, Central Texas
ANGELA NGUYEN Recruiting Manager
RECRUITS FOR:
Construction, Special Projects, Process Solutions, Multifamily
SAMANTHA METZGER Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Construction - Texas, Arizona
OMAR JASSO Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Facilities - Texas, Arizona
SEAN CORNETT Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Corporate - Dallas
CHRIS MCGEE Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Service and FacilitiesHouston, Austin, San Antonio
IVONNE SALINAS Senior Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Construction and Engineering
GLORIA HERNANDEZ Recruiter
RECRUITS FOR: Construction and Service - Arizona
Interested in career opportunities at TDIndustries? Visit the careers page at tdindustries.com/careers, call 972-8889535 or email careers@tdindustries.com
Since 2020, TD has collected over 650,000 PTSPs, 35,000 planning conversation videos and 90,000 safety observations.
TD Scores Safety Conversations to Improve Results
BY LYNNE GREENFEATHER
TDIndustries is well-known for its exemplary commitment to safety and health. Our culture of fiercely protecting all and ensuring each team member returns home safely is a critical component to the success of our company and the owners, contractors and property managers we work with each day.
The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) team at TD started using artificial intelligence (AI) in 2020 to enhance its safety processes. Since then, we have collected over 650,000 pretask safety plans and 35,000-plus videos of daily planning conversations, more than 14,000 safety meetings and over 90,000 safety observations. That’s a lot of data!
To better interpret and use this data, TD utilizes a custom machine learning AI model (trained by human and machine labeling) that is powered by FactorLab to translate these vast safety engagement processes into measurable, actionable insights. This model is adept at processing enormous amounts of unstructured human data into structured reporting, processing billions of parameters in seconds. However, every AI user faces the issue of getting the right data into the system so meaningful data and reporting can come out of it.
BETTER OBSERVERS MAKE SAFER JOB SITES
Once again, TD’s EHS team is at the forefront of employing AI by implementing FactorLab’s Trust, Ability and Value (TAV) safety observation
quality scoring model. This ensures our 600plus field leaders, who are entering safety observations, are creating data that can immediately translate to safer job sites for our field crew and customers. This quality scoring model was created in response to TD asking, “How can we get more from the safety observation process?”
Trust: Creating a culture of safety requires trust in the company. Observers must feel confident they can enter safety observations without fear of retribution. Creating this environment allows users to trust they can enter real information that highlights where their own project can improve. By establishing clear expectations that each user has the authority to report observations authentically, we create a collaborative environment where team members trust each other to improve the project.
Ability: Users also need to know what it takes for a safety observation to be meaningful. The model knows to evaluate the level of detail in each entry and categorize it as “Better” or “Limited.” The model also pinpoints unlimited high-risk keywords like roof, barricade, ladder, fall, hole, etc. Those entries are then tagged as “STCKY (Stuff that Can Kill You)” and “NonSTCKY” observations. Together, these functions provide safety leaders with crucial insights into risk management and empower everyone to become better observers. Other indicators measured for ability include limited or nonlimited detail, better observation percentage, etc. Value: When a highly engaged observer
“AI technology enhances our operational efficiency and helps drive our vision of Zero Harm.”
understands the value of safety reporting and feels confident enough to make authentic observations with aptitude and frequency, the result is safer workspaces for all. To encourage participation, each observer needs to be conscientious to make observations about certain aspects outlined in their safety plan.
This value metric is important because it helps to clearly rank the value connected to a person, team or project based on the amount of activity reported.
“AI technology enhances our operational efficiency and helps drive our vision of Zero Harm,” said EHS Vice President Jamie Dabbs, CSP. “These tools demonstrate the care TDIndustries takes to protect the professionals who do extraordinary work for our customers every day.”
To learn more about how TD is setting new standards for safety, visit us at tdindustries.com/safety
SAFETY AWARDS
ABC National Safety Excellence Award 2024
ABC South Texas Safety Training and Evaluation (STEP) Diamond Award 2024
AGC 2024 Construction Safety Professional of the Year: Jamie Dabbs, CSP, ASP, CRIS® Vice President, EHS, TDIndustries
IRMI 2024 Gary E. Bird Horizon Award: Jamie Dabbs, CSP, ASP, CRIS® Vice President, EHS, TDIndustries
Direct Cooling Innovation
TD Pivots with Retrofit on Active Data Center Construction Project
BY DONNA STOKES
As AI growth drives demand for electricity, many companies seek more energyefficient solutions to make data center construction and operations more sustainable into the future.
According to a recent Deloitte report, data centers are expected to make up about 2 percent, or 536 terawatt hours (TWh) of global electricity consumption in 2025. Yet annual energy use could nearly double to 1,065 TWh by 2030. In the U.S., the data center market has doubled in four years, with vacancy rates hitting a record low of 3 percent in the first half of 2024, according to the report. Municipalities
and utilities are challenged to protect power grids against shortages, severe weather and cybersecurity threats, making new project approvals often contingent on innovations to ensure efficiency and limit waste. The Deloitte report encourages key industry players to collaborate to assess cooling needs and find innovative solutions.
The TDIndustries construction team, highly experienced in traditional data center MEP construction across Arizona and Texas, had the opportunity to engage in a high-profile new construction retrofit of direct (liquid) cooling solutions at a scale not previously attempted.
Arizona Celebrates 10 Years with Colocation Data Center Owner
BY JESS TODD
Since 2014, TD’s Arizona construction team has worked consistently with a global colocation data center owner that serves high-growth, high-capacity customers. This valued partnership has a project scope that currently includes three data halls split across two campuses, totaling more than 600,000 square feet and 120 megawatts.
TD’s construction and prefabrication teams are working on major retrofits to existing facilities, a ground-up build and general upkeep work. As data center demands increase, expansions of the plant’s cooling capacity are the primary focus for retrofits. The ground-up build will include a complete transition to an air-cool chiller setup. As a secure compartment information facility (SCIF), the new build must meet rigorous security and design requirements, with scheduled inspections.
Prefabrication from TD’s Dallas shop has greatly contributed to the success of work on-site, with large carbon steel deliveries that keep the team moving forward to avoid lengthy delays. Additionally, TD’s service team has been on-site since 2020, assisting with maintenance and repairs.
WHAT IS A COLOCATION DATA CENTER?
Also known as a “colo,” these data centers provide companies space where they can set up their own servers and infrastructure inside a third-party’s facility. Typically, the business is responsible for purchasing and maintaining all of their equipment, but some colo providers may offer to manage services. Colos account for approximately 35 percent of global data center market share.
VP of Special Projects Jason Horn and Project Manager Beau Wright credit Senior Superintendent Jimmy Richardson and the core team with monitoring changing on-site requirements and demands, while always hitting critical commissioning dates.
“They’ve stuck with us for our strong, consistent performance in the field,” says Horn. “We’re competitive on pricing and our field teams have just gone above and beyond to maintain the relationship.”
In the past 5 years, TDIndustries has completed $300 MILLION + IN DATA CENTER PROJECTS.
Goldman Sachs estimates that DATA CENTER POWER DEMAND WILL INCREASE 160% by 2030 to accommodate for AI.
Data center construction has INCREASED MORE THAN SEVENFOLD in two years.
U.S. data center demand is estimated TO GROW BY every year until 2030. 10%
THE GLOBAL DATA CENTER MARKET WAS VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $242 BILLION IN 2024.
TEXAS
COLORADO
ARIZONA
“All eyes in the data center industry are on us,” said Project Executive Spencer A. Jackson to a packed meeting of TD construction teams regarding a major increase in project scope before a tour of the job site. In recent months, dozens of global data center industry representatives also have flown in to tour the project site and see TD’s work in particular.
“This project is the first of its kind of this magnitude, in some cases with the technology evolving faster than we can build it,” said Production Manager Randy Glass. “They asked us to do in a matter of weeks what normally would have taken four to six months. … Six weeks after substantial design changes, we had pipe on this job.”
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES INCLUDED:
1. Material procurement – quick decisions had to be made and quality product acquired.
2. Fabrication labor balance – no welding allowed on-site in the finished data center.
3. Operating with substantial design unknowns – proprietary plans for the server racks not shared.
The Deloitte report noted that older data centers are quickly falling behind in having the infrastructure needed to support the new workload demands.
“Liquid cooling, despite its potential to support more data-intensive server racks, potentially eliminating the need for chillers, is still at a nascent stage and yet to be widely adopted or integrated into AI data centers globally,” Deloitte notes,
citing a March 2024 article on the website of engineering and consulting firm Ramboll.
Deloitte suggests that stakeholders form strategic partnerships to serve local and cluster-level AI data center needs, according to a facilitesdive.com article on the report.
“We at TD appreciate the trust our customers and strategic supply partners have placed in us,” Jackson says, emphasizing that TD has an advantage of leaning on our multiple life-cycle opportunities including expertise in engineering and VDC; preconstruction and procurement strategies; high-purity and specialty manufacturing/prefabrication and expert leadership in the field that ensures excellence in execution and operation.
“To a fast-paced, ever-growing construction industry, TD meets the needs and adapts as it changes,” Jackson says.
Process Piping Team Meets the Demands of Tomorrow’s Technologies
BY LYNNE GREENFEATHER
The technology sector that TD has served for decades is driving an increased demand for ultra-highpurity piping and prefabrication to meet cleanliness and quality requirements. TD’s Process Solutions team, with its expertise in stainless, plastic, metal, alloys and fiberglass materials, is providing customers with tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and ensure compliance with the regulatory standards of high-tech industries.
In the data center sector, Process Solutions is championing the move to direct liquid-cooled (DLC) systems. This technology carries cooling fluid directly to the racks, allowing for more effective heat removal at the source. The consistent lower temperatures increase data computation efficiency, which, in turn, enables increased storage capacity. Furthermore, the added efficiency lowers operational costs and reduces strain on the power grid.
The growth of the domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry has resulted in the Process Solutions team developing distribution systems for compressed dry air (CDA), bulk gases, specialty gases, chemicals and slurries. Leveraging TD’s design-build,
compressed schedules to get these valuable facilities online.
Reverse Osmosis/Deionization (RO/DI) systems in the pharmaceutical industry are essential for producing ultra-pure water and are crucial to maintaining quality and safety. These systems also require UHP PVDF piping to ensure clean water delivery to processing areas. The Process Solutions team specializes in prefabricating these piping systems, helping labs meet strict regulatory requirements vital to patient safety.
In support of the numerous industries that require clean manufacturing and R&D space, Process Solutions provides expert installation of cleanroom architectural walls, ceilings and floors. With this approach, the team is capable of providing the full scope required to support our customer’s needs. TD’s engineering and project teams ensure cleanroom construction meets exact specifications and ISO classifications.
Learn more by visiting tdindustries.com/ process-piping or call us at 1-800-864-7717.
manufacturing and UHP piping prefabrication expertise, multiple teams are collaborating to meet the performance goals of semiconductor companies. TD is leading the way in helping chip makers achieve the efficiency, cleanliness and quality they need, all while meeting
With a strong focus on advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, along with highly skilled and certified technicians, Process Solutions is wellpositioned to address today’s challenges and evolve for tomorrow’s needs.
Houston Methodist Centennial Tower Taking Shape
Chiller Installation Continues for Houston Methodist Centennial Tower
BY DONNA STOKES
Due in large part to our preplanning and prefabrication efforts, I am confident we will be ready to offer the client an air-on date weeks ahead of schedule.
The Houston Methodist Centennial Tower is already making an impressive statement in the heart of the Houston Medical Center campus. When it opens in phases beginning in 2027, the 26-story, 1.2 million square foot building will include a new, larger emergency department, updated imaging services and about 400 more hospital beds to serve the community.
Two years into the design-assist project, the TD team is installing 32 massive air handling units (with 4,005 tons of cooling) and related systems in mechanical floors throughout the structure to maintain ideal temperature and humidity to best serve staff, patients and visitors.
This year the team will tackle the majority of work on all four massive mechanical floors. This includes installing the immense ductwork systems on these floors, in some cases more than 200’’ wide x 100” tall, and complex piping systems including chilled water, processed chilled water,
low temp chilled water, heating hot water, and medium-, low- and high-pressure steam, all while maintaining an aggressive riser schedule. TD’s Dallas prefabrication shop is manufacturing all of the ducting and most of the piping for the project.
After completion of the first mechanical floor in March, it will be a race to get air on for the lower half of the building by July 1, requiring TD to have the entire level 6 and level 9 mechanical systems operational, says Senior Project Manager Chase Morris. “Due in large part to our pre-planning and prefabrication efforts, I am confident we will be ready to offer the client an air-on date weeks ahead of schedule.”
TD’s scope of work for the project includes the HVAC core and shell with full coordination of ductwork, piping and equipment. TD’s project preconstruction team has added value and helped to control the budget from day one. Construction completion is expected in 2026.
Baylor and TDIndustries –Built on Trust
BY KYLE BRYNSVOLD
Building and maintaining trusting relationships is a core value at the center of how TDIndustries does business. So, it’s no surprise that the foundation of one of the facilities maintenance team’s newest partnerships – Baylor University – was born out of long-standing relationships.
Brian Lillard, senior vice president of facilities, is a Baylor alum who has maintained connections that began when he was a student at the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Regular conversations led to a consulting opportunity for TDIndustries to audit and assess Baylor equipment and provide suggestions to further optimize campus facilities management. That assessment led to an invitation to bid for the facility management services contract when it was up for renewal.
TD won a multi-year contract to manage campus facility operations because of its quality work and outstanding people. The original contract scope includes full operations facility management for the campus, including all mechanical, electrical and plumbing management, as well as general maintenance, locksmith services, moving/hauling services and full event setup across the campus. The team is responsible
for the central utility plant, called the Baylor Energy Complex, which powers the campus steam and chilled water systems including three boilers and eight chillers.
TD embraced the challenge of recruiting skilled trades workers to support the contract. The Talent Acquisition team had only a few months to staff the entire project.
Longtime TD employee-owners Kenny Durrett and Misty Jackson have ambitious plans for the Waco team.
“With TD’s expertise in preventative maintenance and sustainability practices, we can create more reliable, well-kept facilities that make a real difference for students, faculty and staff alike,” Jackson says.
TD’s Baylor team continues to grow, with positions added to staff a 24/7 call center; manage all subcontractor work; and complete other priority campus projects beyond the original project scope.
“Our goal is to create spaces that are well-maintained and efficient so students and staff can focus on what matters most to them,” Jackson says.
TD continues to expand its reach to partner with other higher education clients to provide a world-class level of facilities management, all while building and maintaining trusting relationships, as demonstrated with Baylor University.
We have earned the trust of this client and have become their preferred controls vendor.
TD Controls Celebrates 10 Years with Texas Woman’s University
BY JESS TODD
Nationally recognized for its contributions of health care professionals and medical research, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has nearly doubled its student population in 20 years. TD’s controls team supports more than 1 million square feet of buildings and labs for its Denton, Houston and Dallas campuses. Open controls system projects include retrofits, remodels, new construction and maintenance with support from TD’s service team.
TWU’s Denton campus is particularly busy. “Building by building, we have had opportunities to modernize their controls on campus,” says Account Manager Chad Duty.
A FEW OF THE DENTON CAMPUS PROJECTS INCLUDE:
dental clinic required a full retrofit from an old system installed decades ago. Both the dental clinic and administration building will have updated air handlers, terminal units and chill and hot water supply systems.
With a completion date for fall 2025, TWU’s brand new 175,000 square foot Health Science Center will have updated controls for chillers, air handler units, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and lab exhaust systems.
Home to the latest technology for TWU’s nursing and STEM students, the 80,000 square foot Ann Stuart Science Complex required a legacy system retrofit once it became clear the controls had reached end of life. This included updating controls for air handlers, terminal units, lab controls, exhaust fans and chill and hot water handlers. By coordinating with TWU and a third-party lab contractor, TD managed all communications and plans. Despite tight summer deadlines, TD was able to complete the retrofit without disrupting the students and faculty on campus.
Controls remodels are also taking place at the new Dental Hygiene Clinic and Brackenridge Hall administration building. Formerly Jones Hall dormitory, the new
TD is also working directly with TWU to meet state regulations for steam metering in the Pioneer Building, library and multipurpose classroom buildings. Measuring steam is an important part of monitoring modern facilities’ energy usage and must be recorded for potential state audits.
TWU is an advocate for having an open controls system, aligning well with TD’s Niagaracertified technicians and standing as the largest dealer of Tridium Niagara and Tridium Vykon solutions. This partnership, which began in 2014, continues to be a natural fit and allows TD to fulfill TWU’s specific open controls objectives. “We built trust with them to be able to take over those critical spaces,” says Duty.
TD prioritizes and ensures working environments and classrooms remain comfortable for all students and faculty. With the influx of more than 2,500 students every fall, TD prepares in advance for fall semester move-in week to make sure systems are working properly in all buildings and residence halls. “We have earned the trust of this client and have become their preferred controls vendor. Even when other contractors are awarded projects, TD still stays on in a subcontractor role and maintains that presence on campus,” says Duty.
Refrigerant Phasedown Continues
Are You Ready for the Latest Changes?
BY LYNNE GREENFEATHER
The goal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) is to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC ) production and consumption by 85 percent by 2036. The AIM Act’s plans include a phasedown approach to using lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants in new commercial and residential HVAC systems. Is your new commercial construction or retrofit project ready for these changes? We’ll explain the latest updates and answer your frequently asked questions below.
CHANGES IN REFRIGERANTS OVER TIME
You may be familiar with the term Freon®. Freon was the standard refrigerant used in air conditioners for decades. It was used for so long that most people simply refer to any refrigerant as “freon.” In fact, the word Freon is one type of product, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound known by industry experts as R-22. The EPA began phasing out HCFCs in 2010 and officially banned their production and import in 2020.
As Freon was phased out, new HVAC systems began using a refrigerant known as R-410A, or Puron®, an HFC. More efficient and less harmful to the environment, R-410A has been in use since its introduction in 1996 and is found in most of today’s modern HVAC systems.
The next step to reducing the use of these harmful greenhouse gases is to switch
U.S. EPA Proposed Technology Transitions as Compared to Industry Positition and State Law
EPA Proposal / Industry Position
Chillers (comfort and industrial)
700 GWP
Jan. 1, 2025
First fill date / Manufacture date
Unitary / Residential
700 GWP
Jan. 1, 2025
Manufacture date
VRF
700 GWP
Jan. 1, 2026
First fill date / Manufacture date
Installation Deadlines
Products
Factory charged and shipped ready to use
Jan. 1, 2028
Systems
Piped and charged in the field
Jan. 1, 2026
Manufacture date
Refrigerant Availability
Refrigerants will remain available
Production restrictions are on equipment only.
to R-454B or Puron Advance™. R-454B is an HFC and hydro-fluoro olefin (HFO) blend with superior cooling capacity and a 78 percent lower GWP than its R-410A predecessor.
However, these new, low-GWP alternatives come with a risk, and that’s flammability. Classified as A2L, or mildly flammable, by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), R454-B will require updates to standards and building codes to allow for their safe installation.
UPDATED RULINGS AND DEADLINES IN THE PHASEDOWN
Through its Technology Transitions Program, the EPA has now defined the affected systems and products and has extended these deadlines so that new R-410A systems must be manufactured by Jan. 1, 2025, and installed by Jan. 1, 2026. And R-410A products must be manufactured by Jan. 1, 2025 and installed by Jan. 1, 2028.
PREPARING FOR THE NEWEST GUIDELINES
So, what do these changes mean for your HVAC equipment? That depends on the current systems you have in place, their operating efficiency and maintenance needs. We’ll address some of the most common questions in our FAQs.
Q: How do I know what refrigerant my current HVAC system uses?
A: The refrigerant type is listed on the manufacturer’s label of your system. If the label is no longer accessible, a TDIndustries Service Technician can analyze and identify your refrigerant type.
Q: My system uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant. Does the change to low-GWP refrigerants mean I have to replace my HVAC equipment?
A: No. This phasedown of harmful greenhouse gases does not require property owners to
replace any existing HVAC equipment. The EPA has allowed for the ongoing maintenance of existing systems throughout their useful life. However, the cost and availability of banned refrigerants will increase over time. As with anything mechanical, your system’s efficiency level will also decrease with age. Owners should consider whether replacing old units with newer, more efficient systems makes more financial sense.
Q: Can I retrofit my existing HVAC system to utilize R-454B refrigerant?
A: No. R-454B has different loading rates and pressure regulations that require systems designed specifically for its use. As a two-component gas, special sensors are also needed to detect leaks. You should avoid working with any contractor that suggests using the new refrigerant in systems not explicitly engineered for R-454B.
Q: Does this extension mean I have another year to change my HVAC equipment plans from R-410A to R-454B?
A: We encourage property owners to be
proactive. Even though R-410A equipment will continue to be available, virgin R-410A refrigerant production will be slashed an additional 30 percent in 2024. And while recovery and reclamation efforts have intensified, concern remains that shortages will continue
Excellence in Construction Award Winners
to drive up costs throughout the 12- to 15-year life span of R-410A equipment.
Q: I already have R-410A systems on hand or ordered for an upcoming installation. What do I need to do to comply with the new refrigerant requirements?
Earning awards for their contributions to two unique and impactful projects, TD’s San Antonio and Dallas special projects teams exemplify TD’s passionate pursuit of excellence.
BY JESS TODD
Stable Hall
Built in 1894, Stable Hall is a historic building engrained in central Texas’ culture. Initially used as the home for neighboring Pearl Brewery’s fleet of draft horses, it is centrally located in the heart of San Antonio’s Pearl neighborhood.
Renovating a 130-year-old building while meeting modern codes, TD installed all HVAC and assisted with plumbing on this project, including six new bars, guest bathrooms and a full bathroom suite for the main talent green room. TD used BIM and VDC modeling to help plan installation without jeopardizing the property’s historical aesthetic and structure.
TD’s team earned ABC South Texas’ Excellence in Construction Eagle Award and ENR’s Regional Best Projects Award for their work on Stable Hall.
A: If it is a split system, it has to be installed before Jan. 1, 2026, and if it is a package unit it has to be installed before Jan. 1, 2028 to meet the Technology Transition and phasedown requirements.
Q: I have a new project in the design or build phase. How do I ensure my HVAC equipment complies with the latest regulations?
A: If you anticipate installation after Jan. 1, 2026, TD’s experienced engineers or your project’s architectural team can review to ensure R-454B systems are specified for future projects.
Q: As a building owner or operator, is there anything I should know about the flammability of A2L refrigerants?
How will TDIndustries address this issue?
A: Despite the “mildly flammable” classification, A2L refrigerants are extremely hard to ignite. They also require a high concentration of gas to become flammable. Extensive testing has been done using cigarettes, lighters, power tools and appliances, and no heat source has produced ignition. In the unlikely event an ignition occurs, A2Ls have a lazy flame that extinguishes once
the heat source is removed.
The technicians at TDIndustries are undergoing training on the safe installation and servicing of A2L refrigerants. Fortunately, it will mostly be “business as usual,” with the same best practices used to install existing R-410A systems also applying to A2L equipment. Most existing tools are already A2L approved and those that weren’t have been replaced. As an EPA Section 608-certified contractor, TDIndustries’ technicians will not need to be recertified by the EPA.
Children’s Medical Center Emergency Department Renovation
TD helped deliver a state-of-the-art emergency room to tens of thousands of children in North Texas with minimal disruption and a seamless update of older systems. This work earned TD multiple accolades, including ABC National Excellence in Construction Eagle and Innovation Awards; a first place TEXO Distinguished Building Award, and AGC TBB Outstanding Construction Award.
As part of a fully operational hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, TD’s team strategically staggered installation in a phased scheduling approach. With extensive BIM and VDC modeling, TD worked at night and during off-peak shift hours to ensure quality patient experience and to limit impact on hospital staff.
The finished emergency department, completed three months early, features more than 50,000 square feet and 70 new private exam rooms, two specialty exam rooms for dental and ophthalmology, six dedicated behavior health rooms and a new dedicated patient family entrance.
LET THE EXPERTS AT TD HELP
Contact our service team for a system evaluation and recommendation. Our expert service engineers will ensure you fully comply with these new requirements and that your system is operating at peak performance.
TDIndustries offers integrated and comprehensive building solutions – from design and construction to facilities and maintenance. Proud to be 100 percent employee-owned, our passion for what we do is reflected in the quality of our work and our culture of service and industry leadership.
Freon® is a registered trademark of EI duPont de Nemours & Company.
Puron® is a registered trademark of Carrier Corporation.
Puron Advance™ is a trademark of Carrier Corporation.
Enhancing the Educational Environment
An aging community college transforms its campus with BrightBlue®
BY MITCH BRITTO
To compete for student tuition funds while providing optimal learning environments, institutions of higher education must provide students and staff with optimal comfort while also ensuring energy efficiency and cost savings. Effectively managing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and productive environment. Without proper insight into the performance of their HVAC systems, colleges may experience issues such as uneven temperature distribution, increased energy consumption and frequent breakdowns. Enter TDIndustries’ analytics solution, BrightBlue®, a powerful tool designed to address these challenges by providing comprehensive, data-driven insights into the performance of HVAC systems. BrightBlue leverages real-time data collection, analysis and predictive modeling to optimize system operation and workflow, identify inefficiencies, reduce downtime and save energy.
CASE STUDY: COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A community college in Texas faced the challenges of aging facilities and the return of a remote workforce. They decided to implement BrightBlue to enhance their HVAC system management. The college recognized the potential benefits of data-driven decisionmaking and how it could positively impact both comfort and operational costs.
REAL-TIME MONITORING INSIGHTS
The college used existing sensors and data points to continuously gather information about temperature, humidity, air quality and energy consumption through BrightBlue. This realtime data allowed the facilities team to identify fluctuations and anomalies in the system performance and take immediate action.
PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
By continuously monitoring the system’s health and performance, the college identified potential issues before they escalated into costly breakdowns. This proactive approach to maintenance extended the equipment’s life span and minimized downtime and disruption to learning environments.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS
With a better understanding of energy loss from fault detection and diagnostics and the ability to optimize HVAC sequences, the college saw a noticeable reduction in energy consumption. Using BrightBlue, the college addressed 62 issues in the first six months, resulting in $84,568 in annual realized savings and reduced hot/cold calls and equipment downtime.
ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY
By optimizing energy usage, the college also contributed to its sustainability goals. Reducing the environmental footprint aligned with the institution’s commitment to responsible resource management, setting an example for students and the broader community.
BrightBlue® leverages real-time data collection, analysis and predictive modeling to optimize system operation and workflow, identify inefficiencies, reduce downtime and save energy.
Empowering Future Leaders
TDIndustries Partners with Wilmer-Hutchins High School
BY TAYLOR KARRMANN
For the third consecutive year, TDIndustries has maintained its strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of tradespeople through its partnership with Wilmer-Hutchins High School in the Dallas Independent School District. The school’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program offers students access to 60 college credit hours and industry certificates in various career pathways, including construction science, engineering, business and the skilled trades. The 90 percent minority population of Wilmer-Hutchins High School makes this partnership especially impactful in promoting diversity in the skilled trades.
Throughout this partnership, TD has mentored and supported approximately 45 young women, many of whom aspire to pursue careers in the trades after graduation. Program alums have pursued trades education, as well as construction and business-related courses of study.
TD’s Anne McGee-Cooper Women’s employee resource group engaged with 15 to 20 young women across six mentoring sessions—three held in person and three conducted virtually. The virtual sessions covered topics such as aspirations for higher education, communication skills for women in a male-populated industry, and trades professions from a woman’s perspective. The in-person sessions included personal branding, an introduction of TDIndustries, and tours of TD Exchange and TDIndustries’ manufacturing facility.
A team of TD employee-owners, along with Streetlights Residential field experts, led the students on an educational tour of the 19-story high-rise Central de la Vega multifamily construction site in Dallas. Upon arrival, the students suited up in personal protective equipment (PPE) and participated in a safety meeting led by TD’s Safety team. The tour provided hands-on exposure to plumbing,
mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, life-safety systems and more, offering students a real-world, interactive learning experience that complemented their classroom education.
“It was very eye-opening for our students, and I think that they’re walking away with a lot of authentic knowledge and understanding,” says Wilmer-Hutchins Workplace Learning Coordinator VaKeshia Gordon. “Just the exposure alone is paramount.”
TDIndustries celebrates core values including leading with a servant’s heart and celebrating the power of individual differences. The team is dedicated to providing meaningful learning opportunities for all vital to the future of our industry.
“We’re not only providing an opportunity for these young students to see themselves in our industry, but we’re also planting the seed that it’s an industry they can see themselves staying, growing, and shaping the future themselves,” says TD Project Manager and program lead Daryl Anne Estill.
Through initiatives like these, TDIndustries is making strides toward a more inclusive future in construction.
Students from Dallas ISD’s P-TECH program tour a Dallas construction site with TDIndustries mentors and employee-owners.
Celebrating Veterans
Micah Werner’s Story
BY JESS TODD
On-site at a major facilities project in North Texas, veterans and TD employee-owners Micah Werner and Ken McInnis perform their daily system checks. Both Werner and McInnis have been at this project since fall 2022 and enjoy the day-to-day excitement and management of this facility. On the other side of Werner walks his four-legged shadow, a Belgian Malinois named Echo. A VA-sponsored hearing service dog, Echo has been with Werner since December 2023.
Thirteen years earlier at the age of 21, Werner decided to leave construction where he worked since he was 16 to join the military. When Werner enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2011, he envisioned pursuing a military career that would allow him to see the world and carry him to retirement. He joined as a Combat Engineer, admittedly attracted to how cool it would be to get training in high explosive demolition. Five months later, he was sent on his first deployment to Iraq.
Werner’s heavy mechanized unit was tasked with the critical role of route clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and asset security with the mission to clear Forward Operating Base Marez near Mosul of all U.S. forces, before conducting extensive route clearance missions along Highway 1. These missions ensured convoy security and safe passage for vehicles and troops moving in and out of Iraq, while also supporting supply routes vital for sustaining the remaining soldiers stationed in the country. When completing a mission near Baghdad, Werner suffered injuries of multiple minute bone fractures from blast proximity. Ultimately, Werner remained on tour until his deployment ended in August 2012.
Once back in the United States, Werner sought physical therapy for the next two years and eventually made the decision to accept a medical retirement from active duty in 2014.
Now at the age of 24, Werner was back in the workforce as a civilian with no plan for the next phase of his career. “That happens to a lot of folks. They join the military at 18 where they spend several years. They come out and the only job they know is of that military background,” Werner explains.
After briefly returning to work in construction, Werner quickly realized it was not what he now looked for in his career. Werner transitioned to a facility maintenance and environmental health and safety position alongside his father at Love Field. During the next two years, Werner completed HVAC training and earned his journeyman electrician license.
In 2017, Werner began working at Alliance Airport for TD and immediately knew he had found his new home. “Within six months I remember thinking, this is the place I will retire from,” says Werner. Citing TD’s culture as the main reason for this, Werner explains that his fellow employee-owners became the “platoon” he was looking for ever since he returned from deployment.
serves as the VPRG’s executive sponsor, championed the idea of commissioning TD’s first challenge coin to honor and pay tribute to TD’s veterans.
Werner met McInnis when they both started working at their current facility. After answering a newspaper ad in 1977, McInnis joined the U.S. Navy where he served 10 years as a mechanic, followed by another six years in the Air Guard and two years as a government contractor. McInnis admires Werner’s leadership style and highlights the special camaraderie they share as veterans.
When reflecting on his time in the military, Werner explains how his service changed his outlook on life. His military career bestowed an appreciation for environments that reward you for the hard work you do and recognize the value you bring to a team. Because he is eager to make even more of a difference at TD and passionate about fostering a community of mentorship, Werner has taken on a leadership role in TD’s Veterans Partner Resource Group (VPRG). TD takes pride in its veteran employeeowners and recognizes the intangible and valuable skills they bring to any team. The VPRG is built to bring former service members together and support them in their post-military career development.
TD’s Talent Acquisition & Engagement Vice President Derek Dostal, who also
Designed by Werner, the coin includes the seals of the five military branches and four words: courage, duty, honor and sacrifice. “Those are the military’s core values. We all joined because of those four words,” says Werner.
“Werner’s journey from his service in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer through his sevenyear tenure at TDIndustries reflects a leader who believes in lifting others to success,” Dostal says. “He has empowered his partners, showing that true strength lies in dedication to others.”
Werner’s path in life has remained committed to honoring those who served. “When you leave the military, you leave your identity behind and you have to go find a new one,” Werner explains. That’s exactly what he has successfully achieved so far in his career at TD and what he strives to help others accomplish as well. He has empowered his partners, showing that true strength lies in dedication to others.
TD recently introduced its first challenge coin to honor and support veterans across the company. From left are TD veterans Derek Dostal, Micah Werner and Ken McInnis.
Empowering Women in Industry Award Winners
We proudly celebrate TD’s core value to passionately pursue excellence and our commitment to championing the success of women in our industry at TD. Three TD employee-owners received nominations at the national 2024 Empowering Women in Industry Awards in October. Congratulations to Daryl Anne Estill, Mentor of the Year Award recipient and Industry Advocacy Award nominee; Chelsi Green, Tradeswoman of the Year Award winner; and Getsemani Vazquez, Engineer of the Year Award nominee. Special thanks to TD’s Steve Cunningham, Derek Dostal and Shawn Ramsey for supporting the group in New Orleans.
C3 Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to TDIndustries’ Senior HR Manager Pam Ames, who received Construction Career Collaborative’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2024 for planning and executing the yearly event #SHEBuildsHouston. The event is dedicated to empowering women and inspiring the next generation to explore opportunities in the construction industry. Ames just completed planning and execution of the 2025 event in April.
The Construction Career Collaborative (C3) is a nonprofit alliance of building owners, contractors, specialty contractors, design professionals and industry associations collaborating to positively impact the future of the construction industry by helping to build a safe, skilled and sustainable craft workforce.
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FARS Adoption Grows
SVP of Engineering and VDC Justin Bowker writes for PHCPPros.com on the expansion of Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) and industry challenges implementing the life-saving systems. Bowker explains that FARS systems empower highly trained firefighters to optimally perform critical firefighting and rescue activities.
ENR Specialty Firms Top 50
“It is increasingly important to remain stable and strong and serve clients well as we continue to scale,” says President of Preconstruction David Fultz. Fultz highlights how TD has successfully leveraged strong relationships and partnerships early in planning phases to allow for more flexibility and greater collaboration.
EDITOR: Donna Stokes donna.stokes@tdindustries.com
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Refrigerant’s Role In HVAC Systems
Engineering Project Manager Brandon Hoke explains refrigerants’ role in commercial HVAC systems and dives deeper into AIM Act phasedown requirements. Read more in the January digital edition of PHCP Pros.
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Blueprint for Balanced Leadership
President of Construction Matt Terry reflects on his career with inspiring insights on the importance of industry advocacy and mentorship. Listen to his episode of the 17Twenty podcast and uncover the servant leadership model at the core of TDIndustries.
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