Knowledge Hub

Many of us take good acoustics for granted. But it’s common for acoustic efforts to be the first thing cut from commercial projects—or not included in the design phase at all, according to Graham Waks, founder of Music City Acoustics.

Commercial kitchens are one of the most challenging spaces to electrify, but we need to take on this challenge in order to decarbonize restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other buildings with commercial kitchens. Is another green certification program the answer?

At SWA, we’ve worked on over 2.2 million square feet of multifamily and dormitory buildings that used CAR dampers to balance large-scale ventilation systems. Here’s what we’ve learned about constant airflow regulators (CARs) and measuring air flow.

Whether you’re new to heat pumps or need a quick refresher, this video series demonstrates each step of how to install an air-source heat pump system optimized for efficiency and comfort in colder climates—which is critical to widespread adoption.

In a DOE-sponsored study, SWA uncovered why one VRF system used six times less electricity per square foot than another across two similar high-rise apartment buildings in New York City.

For the MassCEC and BE+ Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge, SWA optimized structural design and reduced reliance on concrete and steel for Building 7 at Northland Newton Development in Newton, MA.

SWA was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Building America program to lead a team that will address technical challenges of decarbonizing the U.S. housing stock. Along with our team members HR&A Advisors, Ecosystem, and Kinetic Communities Consulting…

We’re excited to announce that Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA, has been selected for the inaugural class of the RESNET® Recognition of Women Pioneers in the HERS® Industry.

The course illustrates real-world examples of air-source heat pumps, with both good and bad applications. ASHPs can work very well in many cold climates with thoughtful design and implementation. The intent of this course is to help people implement systems…

This module will take an in-depth look into the mechanical systems typically employed in high performance, net zero buildings including heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation. Discussion topics include reasons for, and issues with full electrification and central-plant considerations….