Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we explore the value of building commissioning and retro-commissioning to improve facility performance, energy efficiency and mechanical system reliability. B&N mechanical engineer and commissioning leader Jack Sharp-Stevenson shares real-world insights from both fieldwork and design roles, offering strategies for new construction projects, facility retrofits and municipal building upgrades. Learn how a well-executed commissioning process helps owners reduce long-term maintenance costs, meet sustainability goals and ensure buildings operate as intended from day one.

Imagine you're driving home after a long day at work. As you approach an intersection, you notice a bright yellow signal border that immediately catches your attention, prompting you to slow down. Without even realizing it, you've just interacted with a “Proven Safety Countermeasure”—one of 28 strategies that the Federal Highway Administration has identified to reduce crashes and save lives. But why aren’t these simple solutions implemented everywhere?

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights, we’ll dive into that answer with B&N’s Kendra Schenk and Megan Valentine to discuss what communities and engineers are doing to proactively improve safety for everyone. 

As mentioned in the episode, you can read Kendra and Megan’s synthesis report here https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28855/implementation-of-federal-highway-administration-proven-safety-countermeasures

Cyber, natural disasters and other security threats are a growing concern for public water systems. With the second round of Risk & Resilience Assessments (RRAs) due by end of 2026 it’s important for public water systems to plan to protect the communities and the systems. In this episode, we’ll discuss the most pressing cybersecurity threats, how they have evolved since the first round of RRAs in 2020/2021 and best practices for protecting water systems from cyberattacks. Contact Kevin at [email protected] to get started on the next round of RRAs, attend an incident action checklist workshop and learn more about the next round of assessments.

From aging pipes to growing populations, how can communities ensure that every drop of water is delivered efficiently and safely? And what role does technology play in solving this invisible but essential challenge? On this episode, we dive into the world of water distribution modeling and its role in ensuring efficient and reliable water delivery. We’re joined by Christie Ruffner to discuss how this process helps utilities manage demands, optimize network performance and prepare for future growth.

How can communities turn overwhelming amounts of data into clear, actionable insights? In this episode, B&N data scientist Bryan O'Reilly, joins us to explore how data services, GIS and predictive analytics are revolutionizing infrastructure planning. From breaking down data silos to building real-time dashboards and using machine learning to predict infrastructure needs, our guests discuss the biggest challenges communities face—and the solutions that are helping them make smarter, data-driven decisions.

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights, B&N’s Justin Hunt unravels the complexities of electrification and decarbonization. We discuss the transformative journey from fossil fuels to electric systems, the pivotal role of renewable energy, and the impact of policies like the Federal Building Performance Standard and New York’s Local Law 97. Join us as we navigate through the challenges and innovations in hybrid HVAC systems, aiming for a greener future without compromising efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making our buildings smarter, more sustainable, and ready for the future. For a deeper dive into electrification and decarbonization with additional perspectives on sustainability goals, check out this article from Justin: “Navigating the Era of Electrification: Scaling Up Performance, Not Expenses | Burgess & Niple” https://www.burgessniple.com/insights/2024/9/9/navigating-the-era-of-electrification-scaling-up-performance-not-expenses/

On this episode, we’re joined by B&N water infrastructure experts Jason Warren, John Swartzbaugh and Grady Dennis to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead Service Line replacement regulations. Our experts will also break down information from the EPA about the lines, what is required by the October 2024 deadline, how to get started on developing a plan and more. You can contact B&N with your questions about Lead Service Line replacements at [email protected] and learn more about the EPA requirements on their website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-service-lines. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to be notified when new episodes drop and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what's happening at B&N.

Ever wonder what keeps our sanitary sewer infrastructure running behind the scenes? We’re joined by B&N’s Caleb Smith and Aran Whisler to talk about the important role of flow monitoring in sanitary sewer systems. Flow monitoring programs can help system owners with capacity planning, leak detection, infiltration and inflow (I/I) detection, asset management and regulatory compliance.

This episode will highlight B&N’s philanthropic efforts over 2023 after making significant strides in 2022. This includes the council’s goals, monetary donations, volunteering efforts, pro-bono engineering work, and what our goals are going into the new year. Philanthropy Council Chair and Vice-Chair, Billy Wendland and Jessica Suvanto, are joining us on this episode to talk about B&N’s efforts to give back to the community in 2023 as well as our goals for 2024. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the episodes are shared. Check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.

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To deliver innovative solutions that meet clients' goals, consulting engineers must look at projects from every angle. One of the most important perspectives is the client's point of view, which makes engineering consultants with experience on the client side extremely beneficial to the project management and project delivery process. Joining us on this episode is B&N’s Texas Bridge Leader Michelle Romage-Chambers to talk about the different roles, challenges, and making the transition to the consultant side. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the latest episodes are shared, and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.