Blog

‘Carbon’ is the new sustainability metric. At Bala, we see the building industry transitioning from measuring a building’s “sustainability” based on its energy efficiency and energy use to a more comprehensive model that includes both the operational and embodied carbon from the building. With this critical shift, it’s important we understand the fundamental relationship between carbon and climate change and the frameworks of carbon measurement, as it relates to the built environment.   Carbon… Read More

We experience the world on two planes--physical and digital. The intersection of these points determines how we experience the buildings in which we work, live, and socialize. It is now possible to gauge the level of connectedness, and how reliably we will be able to integrate these two aspects of our lives in the built environment.   WiredScore is the global industry leader when it comes to building technology and digital connectivity assessment. WiredScore’s mission is “to make the world’s… Read More

Market forces have created an unprecedented demand for laboratory space in urban environments. In the past, lab space was more commonly found in suburban locations within industrial/office parks or sprawling campuses. Urban spaces appeal to smaller startup companies, as well as established firms that wish to be close to universities and other chemistry and biotechnology companies. With an influx of venture capital for life sciences deals, startups have found a source of capital that will… Read More

Effective November 15, 2019, New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97) is one of many local climate action laws centered around protecting the environment, and subsequently people from the effects of climate change. LL97 is part of a long string of legislation dedicated to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from NYC buildings – including but not limited to: LL84, LL87, and now LL154. LL84 (2009) – requires annual benchmarking of energy and water efficiency of buildings LL87 (2009… Read More

BERDO 2.0 is a landmark ordinance set to drive decarbonization in Boston's building sector by  establishing mandatory carbon emission standards and requiring yearly energy and emissions data reports. To avoid costly fines, building owners need to prepare for the reporting requirements starting this year and consider strategies to meet upcoming emissions limits. Bala’s team of integrated sustainability, energy, and commissioning engineers understand the implications of BERDO 2.0 for building… Read More

Prefabrication and modular construction are growing trends for project design and construction. The benefits of these methods include faster project and construction schedules, increased quality, and less impact on the construction site. Newer drivers increasing the trend towards prefabrication and modular construction are skilled labor shortages, supply chain delays, and increased use of building information modeling (BIM). Bala collaborated with Boston Properties and Turner Construction to… Read More

Massport had embarked on a nearly $850M infrastructure upgrade and expansion program to modernize Conley Terminal in South Boston.  Bala has been a continual partner of Massport throughout this multi-year effort, most recently providing electrical engineering services to support the relocation and expansion of Berth 10 to host three state-of-the-art cranes. The arrival and installation of three "mega cranes" at Conley Terminal marks a major milestone for Massport's robust program to revitalize… Read More

Bala Consulting Engineers is pleased to announce the promotion of Kimberly Burkert to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kim began as Bala’s Controller and throughout her 20+ years grew to become Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, a member of the Senior Leadership Committee, a partner in the firm, and a member of Bala’s Board of Directors. Kim’s unique perspective and keen insights have advanced Bala’s project management capabilities and guided our overall growth strategies. Kim succeeds… Read More

As buildings become more technologically advanced, property owners are beginning to implement systems that streamline package delivery and take the weight off the property managers’ shoulders. An increase in online ordering has caused managers to spend hours sorting and organizing deliveries every day, however, hardware-and-software-based package delivery options allow for a reduction in staff labor, improve delivery security and the tenant experience. In a recent survey by C+R Research, 43% of… Read More

Late in 2019, Philadelphia’s City Council passed Bill #190600, creating the new Building Energy Performance Program (BEPP). This program was developed to help achieve the city’s ambitious climate goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. According to the city’s Office of Sustainability, “once implemented, [the program] will cut carbon pollution in the City of Philadelphia by nearly 200,000 metric tons. This is the climate pollution equivalent of taking 40,000 automobiles off our roads… Read More