In Brief

Gowan Inc., Houston, an EMCOR subsidiary, has been awarded a contract for the mechanical systems at the U.S. Armed Services Reserve Center on the Ellington Air Force Base in Houston. Gowan will install HVAC systems for seven new buildings: training center, battle projection, welcome center, maintenance shop, security building and two storage buildings. Gowan's scope of work includes chilled water with heat recovery units, heating only systems and exhaust systems. The project will be built to LEED principles and requirements.

Ram Mechanical Service Inc., Carol Stream, Ill., is celebrating its grand reopening this month in a new 21,000-sq.ft. office and shop. The design of the office, shop facility and work process flow are all based on Lean Manufacturing principles. In addition to thinking lean, Ram Mechanical “works green.” The new facility is equipped with energy efficient lighting systems and HVAC replacements that qualified for utility rebates and federal tax credits. Ram is also the only contracting firm in the area to have a Watts Specialties Model CL-124 computer controlled pipe cutter set up in-house. The company's expansion also includes a fresh look for its online presence, www.rammechanical.com.

New officers of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America Board of Managers were introduced as MSCA concluded its 24th Annual Educational Conference at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, Fla. David J. Bavisotto was named chairman of the Board of Managers; Thom Brazel, vice chairman; and Arnold “Woody” Woodall, treasurer.

KSW Inc. announced that a joint venture between the company and Five Star Electrical Corp. has received the formal Notice of Award of the contract for the new World Trade Center chiller plant from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The total amount of the contract is $46.19 million. KSW will be responsible for the mechanical portion of the contract while Five Star will be responsible for the electrical work. The companies will share in the balance of the contract.

InSinkErator honored the outstanding efforts of PHCC National Auxiliary members by hosting a combined scholarship and awards program at the PHCC annual convention held Oct. 21-23 in New Orleans, La. InSinkErator renewed its longstanding commitment to industry education with a $25,000 donation to the 2009 PHCC Educational Foundation's Invest in Your Future campaign.

According to a recent report from Pike Research, the largest potential for long term, sustained growth in building efficiency lies in the private commercial sector. According to the report, commercial building retrofits range from less than $1 per square foot for a simple energy efficiency program to save 10% of energy costs, to $10-$30/sq. ft. to save 40% of energy costs and enhance occupant performance, to $40/ sq. ft. for a major renovation. Payback periods, particularly for simple low-cost retrofits, can range between a few months and a few years.