McLean Hall HVAC Infrastructure Assessment

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Stevens Institute of Technology worked with our team to conduct a mechanical assessment of McLean Hall, the Chemical Engineering building. One of the primary challenges identified was inadequate lab exhaust and ventilation. The university’s goal was to evaluate the building’s aging HVAC systems and identify opportunities to improve ventilation and occupant comfort, while supporting long-term system reliability and ongoing research and teaching activities.

OUR SOLUTION

Our team completed a study of McLean Hall’s mechanical infrastructure, evaluating the existing systems and their performance to inform future replacement and upgrade strategies. Our assessment included:

• Surveying all HVAC systems, including air handlers, chillers, pumps, and cooling towers, to determine current condition, capacity, and efficiency.
• Analyzing heating, cooling, and ventilation performance across classrooms, teaching labs, and research areas to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborating with building engineers to understand operational challenges and cross-reference findings with existing design documentation.
• Developing detailed upgrade recommendations, including replacement options and phased implementation strategies aligned with the university’s long-term capital plan.
• Evaluating energy recovery opportunities to enhance efficiency while maintaining strict ventilation and safety requirements typical of laboratory environments.

This assessment later became the foundation for a full HVAC system redesign and replacement, introducing modern air handling units, energy recovery systems, water-cooled chillers, cooling towers, a new boiler plant, and redundant mechanical capacity to ensure uninterrupted research and academic operations.

THE IMPACT

The HVAC assessment guided infrastructure investment decisions that strengthened building performance and resiliency and created a roadmap for future capital planning across the campus.