MA College of Liberal Arts, Various Projects

HEA has designed a variety of building-specific and campus-wide M/E/P upgrades at the North Adams campus of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Below are brief summaries of three projects.

Flagg Townhouses, Domestic Water Heating System Replacement: The MCLA Flagg Townhouses are comprised of eight buildings, totaling 110,000 sf. They provide on-campus housing for approximately 500 students. HEA designed the replacement of the townhouses’ antiquated and inefficient domestic water heating systems. The existing gas-fired domestic water heaters were replaced as well as the system’s storage tanks. A new instantaneous steam-to-hot-water converter was also provided. The new boilers were sized to accommodate the full summer loads, allowing the steam system to shut down during the summer.

Berkshire Towers, Lighting, Fire Alarm & Fire Protection Upgrades: Berkshire Towers is a twin-towered, suite-style student residence located on the MCLA campus. HEA designed upgrades to both the normal and emergency lighting systems serving the lounges and suites of both towers. HEA also designed and laid out new fire alarm and fire suppression systems for these spaces. 

Campus Central Plant, New Cogeneration System: HEA designed a new cogeneration system for the campus’s central plant as part of a larger project to implement energy conservation measures throughout the campus. The CHP system consists of a steam turbine generator connected to a high-pressure (200 psi) steam boiler. The steam is reduced through the turbine to 25 psi for distribution to the campus. The turbine-coupled generator provides 197kW throughout the heating season. Notably, the project also involved the implementation of multiple ECMs, including installing VFDs on HVAC equipment and converting site lighting to LED. HEA provided post-construction M&V services to verify that the previously identified energy savings were being realized.