Direct-to-Owner Engineering

Collaboration with Paladin…Smooth as Kentucky Bourbon

Changing the Game

In modern architecture, an early collaboration between architects and Paladin’s commissioning and sustainability teams has the potential to create projects that not only run smoother but are environmentally conscious and operationally efficient. This integration can result in buildings with a reduced carbon footprint, contributing positively to the environment and human well-being.

“It was a great pleasure to work with Paladin as we integrated sustainability measures to achieve our client’s target rating using the Green Globes system. Their extensive experience in sustainability measures, available documentation, and analyzing cost impact was of immense help not only to our design team but also to the Contractor during construction. Their partnership approach was highly valued by all parties, resulting in a seamless workflow as we tackled the real-life challenges of implementation.”

Holistic Design Approach

Architects and Paladin’s sustainability team have distinct yet interconnected roles. Architects rightly focus on the creative aspects of design, while Paladin’s sustainability team brings its expertise in energy efficiency, green materials, and environmental impact. Working in collaboration, the design seamlessly integrates with functionality, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness.

“As a sustainability expert, we rely on Paladin’s broad range of expertise with different project types to help bring real-world experiences and knowledge to our sustainability goals. As a commissioning agent, we know we can rely on Paladin’s thorough reporting and issue tracking to ensure the client’s sustainability goals are realized in the finished project.”

Enhanced Efficiency

Collaborating with Paladin can lead to designs that optimize energy consumption, reduce energy waste, and enhance indoor environmental quality. Buildings not only adhere to sustainability standards but offer long-term operational cost savings. Paladin’s commissioning team brings a wealth of expertise in ensuring a building’s systems function optimally and efficiently. Our early involvement in the design phase helps identify the nuances of system integration, leading to better-informed design decisions.

Real-Time Problem Solving

Architects with Paladin on the team can identify potential challenges early in the design phase. This preemptive problem solving minimizes costly revisions during construction and ensures that goals are maintained.

Sustainable Synergy

Integrating diverse perspectives stimulates creativity. Paladin’s team is well-versed in the latest green building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy solutions. By collaborating with architects, our team can provide valuable insights into material choices, building orientation, daylight utilization, and passive design strategies.

“I’ve been lucky to work with Paladin’s sustainability consultants on multiple, complex projects over the last several years and the experience continues to be exceptional. Their guidance during design has directly resulted in more thorough sustainability pursuits. Their diligence and leadership during construction administration and unwavering commitment to ensuring the project meets the desired sustainability metrics is unparalleled.?

Lifecycle Considerations

Architects focus on the design and construction phases, but the true impact of a building extends far beyond. Commissioning consultants verify that a building’s systems are well designed and effectively maintained over its lifecycle, ensuring longevity and minimizing energy waste. Sustainability consultants, in turn, emphasize the importance of selecting durable materials that age gracefully and require minimal upkeep.

Performance Validation

Aesthetics and intent must translate into reality. Commissioning consultants play a crucial role in validating that a building’s systems operate as intended, achieving the desired levels of comfort, efficiency, and functionality. Paladin’s meticulous testing and verification processes identify any deviations from the design intent, allowing architects to make necessary adjustments. Our sustainability consultants add another layer of validation by monitoring energy consumption and post-occupancy environmental performance, ensuring that the building continues to meet sustainability targets over time.

“Paladin is a top-tier commissioning group that continues to outperform the competition. They have continued to grow in pursuit of building envelope methodologies and applications and provide guidance during design to ensure detailing can be executed successfully. Their willingness to troubleshoot items during construction with the entire team is a great benefit and ensures that the owner receives a quality, high-performing facility”

Educational Exchange

Cross-disciplinary learning fosters professional growth. Architects and Paladin can learn from each other’s expertise. Architects gain insights into the latest sustainable technologies, while our team gains a deeper understanding of design aesthetics.
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:: CASE STUDIES ::

FedEx Freight Facility

Explore how FedEx Freight’s new distribution center achieved significant sustainability milestones, including a 45.6% energy cost reduction and a 30% water use cut, exemplifying a commitment to green building standards.
Read More

Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters

Discover how Ecofibre’s U.S. headquarters became the first LEEDv4 Platinum warehouse and distribution center, setting a new standard in sustainable building and innovative hemp-based products.
Read More

FedEx Freight Facility

Explore how FedEx Freight’s new distribution center achieved significant sustainability milestones, including a 45.6% energy cost reduction and a 30% water use cut, exemplifying a commitment to green building standards.

Read More

Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters

Discover how Ecofibre’s U.S. headquarters became the first LEEDv4 Platinum warehouse and distribution center, setting a new standard in sustainable building and innovative hemp-based products.

Read More

Centralized Lab

See how Paladin’s strategic interventions at a 1980s building have led to a 20% energy reduction over 10 years, preserving capital and optimizing operational efficiencies despite rising energy costs.

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Cabinet for Human Resources Complex

Discover how the CHR Building achieved a 27% annual energy reduction, saving approximately $204,000 per year through strategic system enhancements and energy-efficient measures.

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Berea Natural Sciences & Health Building

Explore how Berea College’s Natural Sciences and Health Building, a LEED Gold project, achieves optimal performance, energy savings, and a unique educational environment for advanced scientific learning.

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Belknap Residence Hall Phase I

Discover the Belknap Residence Hall at UofL, where Paladin’s expert guidance led to LEED Gold certification, promoting sustainable living and learning with a significant 36.1% reduction in water use.

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4th Street Live!

Explore the GSA Fit-Up project at 4th Street Live!, where Paladin’s expert sustainability strategies led to LEED certification, enhancing access to USCIS services while prioritizing environmental and operational efficiency.

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Danforth Hall and Kettering Hall

Discover Danforth and Kettering Halls at Berea College, where innovative design and sustainable construction earned LEED Silver certification and achieved a remarkable 48.1% reduction in water use.

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:: CLIENT REVIEWS ::

Recent Blog Posts 01 / 05

BEYOND THE GREEN LABEL: The Business Case for Sustainable Building

By Candice Rogers, Paladin, Inc.   When clients ask me about sustainability in building projects, I often hear an undercurrent of skepticism. There's a lingering perception that "green building" is either a regulatory burden or a feel-good marketing exercise. After decades in this industry, I can tell you that neither view fully captures the reality Read More

Beyond Code Compliance: How Lighting Power Density Shapes Performance and Sustainability

By Mark Zoller, PE, CxA, LEED AP
Paladin Engineers   When building owners first learn about lighting design, they often focus solely on meeting code requirements for Lighting Power Density (LPD) - the maximum allowable watts per square foot in a space. While code compliance is essential, treating it as the end goal is like saying Read More

Building Your Future in Commissioning: A View from the Paladin Team

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Diversion vs. Source Reduction: Rethinking Construction and Demolition Waste 

By Erica Weeks, LEED Fellow Construction and Demolition Waste in the Built Environment Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a necessary evil of an ever-changing built environment. Buildings outlive their useful lifespan and are demolished for new ones to take their place (I’ll discuss adaptive reuse of existing buildings at another time).Delivering custom buildings requires Read More

BAS Makes Smarter Buildings, but It Can’t Read Minds

By Kelsey Leslie, Paladin, Inc Long considered the “brain” of a building that functions as designed, Building Automation Systems (BAS) actually require the involvement of multiple brains to reach peak effectiveness.  Since even the most sophisticated BAS system can’t read minds, there is a compelling need for clear and thoughtful communication to connect the brains Read More
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