R. E. Dimond and Associates, Inc.

Hamilton Heights School Corporation Solar Campus

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Students take on energetic role with the school’s new solar array

Aerial view of the Hamilton Southeastern solar array.
4,224 solar panels installed for the Hamilton Heights High School, Middle School & Elementary

Three Hamilton County schools benefit from new ground-mounted solar PV systems

Three schools for Hamilton Heights School Corporation have new solar array systems designed by R.E. Dimond and Associates.

Hamilton Heights High School now includes a 680 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system. Hamilton Heights Middle School has a 520 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and Hamilton Heights Elementary School features a 400 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

Watch this 90-second video to see how Hamilton Heights schools are putting their new solar arrays to work in the classroom and in their budget

“We reviewed the electrical bills from the last three years so we could size the solar array to meet most of the needs at usage because we don’t want to produce more than the school needs. …and as utility rates keep going up, the payback could increase annually.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrical engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

$270,000 saved in electrical costs and priceless learning opportunities

In addition to saving the district over $270,000 a year in electrical costs by reducing their electrical usage by 70%, all three Hamilton Heights Schools are excited to use the solar arrays in their science and math curricula. The program will help teachers educate students about the latest innovations in renewable energy and the importance of sustainability.

Photo of the solar array at Hamilton Southeastern schools
The new solar arrays collect about as much as the district needs to reduce their dependence on external utilities.

At the elementary level, teachers introduce students to the sun’s intense energy in our solar system and how people have harnessed the sun’s power. At the intermediate level, teachers are guiding students through ways electricity, energy storage, and wattage works. High school teachers show students how electrons and protons work, how photovoltaic cells interact with energy and its efficiency, and more.

In science, engineering, and math courses at all levels, students get real-world experience measuring energy, understanding its uses, the engineering behind the solar array, and practical benefits for sustainable engineering and building design.

Watch a presentation about the real power and benefits behind their new solar PV system

Aaron Schipp, the electrical engineer for the project, gave a presentation in late 2022 on the benefits of a solar photovoltaic system for AIA Indiana and its history.

“Solar panels don’t have moving parts. Cleaning comes from the weather, and while we do need to keep looking at the panels and monitor them, and they do take up a lot of space, solar panels should last over 25 years…once you’ve paid back the initial cost [over 12 years], you’ll save a lot of money.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrican engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

Watch the whole presentation to learn more about the history of solar, the fundamentals of solar systems, and the cost/payback options.

Indiana State University

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Over ten years of sustainable, leading-edge building renovations and facilities

Indiana State University first turned to R.E. Dimond and Associates in 2009 for a College of Education renovation with featuring skylights, an interior courtyard, and 200,000 square feet of learning and lab space.

Since then, R.E. Dimond and Associates has developed a close working relationship with Indiana State University and its facility teams.

Our work over the last decade with ISU has included:

  • Indoor and outdoor facilities
  • Student housing
  • Classroom and lab space
  • Underground and rooftop MEP systems
  • High-tech sensors and equipment
  • Athletic facilities
  • LEED silver certified buildings
  • And historic preservation and renovation projects

3D models help ISU and R.E. Dimond & Associates forecast renovations and system needs

The 35,000 square-foot dining hall at ISU was ready for a 5,000 square foot addition. The Sycamore Towers, long a residential hall for students, was combined with the dining hall for more efficient operation for 1,000 students.

But updating the dining hall posed problems with the existing ventilation. R.E. Dimond and Associates engineers used 3D models to show how a precast T-band roof system would accommodate the piping, thermal envelope, and heating and cooling needs of the building.

Using this advanced 3D model, we were also able to design in void, data, security, A/V, fire, and interior and exterior lighting and power systems.

The result was a $14 million renovation project with advanced technology, heating, and cooling that provided on-demand and controlled ventilation with HVAC and other building systems.

This project, coupled with previous energy modeling projects to update energy efficiency and temperature controls, laundry rooms, connectivity, and alarm systems has made Sycamore Towers a safer, comfortable, and efficient space for students to live, study, and eat.

400 meters of track, 9 competitive lanes, and 4,000 safe, comfortable seating

R.E. Dimond and Associates was proud to provide design services for Indiana State University’s new Gibson Track and Field Complex. Design included event lighting, site lighting, and all mechanical, electrical and plumbing associated with building components for the locker rooms, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, public restrooms and concession stand.

Electrical work included temporary security lighting, temporary power for temporary toilets, storage and track meet operations room including coordination of “future” power requirements with ISU staff.

R.E. Dimond also provided scoreboard and timing systems, wiring, cable routing and sound system wiring including power and speaker wiring for the $3.8 million project.

Mixed-use student apartments and commercial space at 500 Wabash

R.E. Dimond and Associates was selected to join the design team for  the 500 Wabash Avenue project.  The design features restaurants, shops, office space, an outside dining area and student apartments. The one, two, three or four bedroom units feature private bedroom/bathroom suites, along with a common area where students gather to study or socialize.

R.E. Dimond and Associates prepared mechanical and electrical plans, which included  HVAC, fire suppression and plumbing systems, as well as power, lighting, and alarm systems.

The project was completed in Summer 2015 and included 64,800 square feet of apartment space and 16,200 square feet of retail space.

More projects completed at Indiana State University

Construction Cost
$765,000

Size

Size

Size

6,300 SF

Construction Completed 

Spring 2013

Indiana State University – Arena Locker Rooms Remodel

The Sycamore Basketball Locker Room is located in the ISU Arena Building as part of a renovation of the facility into a practice area for the basketball programs. This area gives the team an area to gather during the day and also to use as a study hall. The Sycamore Basketball Locker Room also allows the team to have an area to dress before and after practices held in the ISU Arena

Construction Cost

$2,500,000

Size

 27,000 SF

Construction Completed

Summer 2012

Indiana State University – Welcome Center Remodel

R.E. Dimond and Associates designed a remodel which included complete replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in the building. The Moore Welcome Center serves as the “front door” of the university. Designed as a living room, the main area of the newly renovated 22,000-square-foot building features 11 interactive transparent touch screens students and visitors can use to learn about the university’s history, academic programs and services. When not in use by visitors, those same screens are interconnected, displaying an ever-changing array of choreographed videos and photographs. Guests can watch an introductory video on a nine-section LCD screen in the center’s new 50-seat theater, equipped with a surround-sound system.

Construction Cost

$9,000,000

Size

81,000 SF

Construction Complete

July 2013

Indiana State University – Erickson Hall HVAC Renovation

R.E. Dimond and Associates provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for the complete renovation of Erickson Hall, an 81,000 square foot Indiana State University  residence hall.  The facility includes student rooms with academic themes, classrooms, meeting and conference rooms, offices and public areas, and a central laundry facility.  The design included air conditioning for the entire facility, the student rooms as well as technology and a complete dry pipe sprinkler system.

Construction Cost
$8,400,00

Size

68,000 SF

Construction Completed

July 2011

Indiana State University – Pickerl Hall

R.E. Dimond and Associates provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for the renovation of Pickerl Hall, a 68,000 square foot residence hall. The facility includes 120 student rooms, meeting and conference rooms, office and public areas, and laundry facilities. Air conditioning was added to the double-occupancy rooms. Private restrooms were also added with this renovation. Construction was completed in the summer of 2011.

Construction Cost:
$9,400,000

Size:
63,000 SF

Construction Completed:
July 2010

Building Project Summary:

Sandison Hall is an eight story, 63,000 square foot residence hall on the ISU campus. The building’s interior spaces were completely remodeled in 2010.

The hall will house 229 students in air-conditioned, double occupancy rooms with private baths. Sandison Hall has many features geared toward students majoring in nursing and healthcare professions including the McKee Nursing Center which is equipped with the latest technology. R.E. Dimond and Associates provided the design for all new mechanical, electric, plumbing and fire suppression systems in the entire building.

Indiana State University’s CHHS houses a natatorium for its academic programs, its women’s intercollegiate athletics, and student recreation. Since the dated pool and decking did not meet current building codes or today’s or esthetic standards, ISU included a complete pool area renovation as part of the CHHS facility renovation which included major upgrades to improve temperature control and air quality with complete replacement of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems.

Construction Cost:
$6,000,000

Design Team:
RE Dimond & Associates, Ratio Architects, and Lynch, Harrison, Brumleve, Inc.

Building Project Summary:
RE Dimond was chosen to design a central chilled water plant with thermal storage and a complete chilled water distribution system to fifteen (15) campus buildings for Indiana State University.

Measures Implemented:
The Indiana State University campus needed to replace many old and inefficient steam absorption boilers. A new central chilled water system was the answer the university was needed. RE Dimond designed a campus wide system with a cooling capacity of peak 5275 TONS utilizing electric centrifugal chillers and thermal ice storage. The project included analysis of existing load and distribution systems to optimize the capacity of underground chilled water piping, plus a phasing plan to allow for continued operations during construction of the new facility.

Campus Solar Installation – Northside Middle School and Taylorsville Elementary Bartholomew County School Corporation

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Bartholomew County School Corporation chose R.E. Dimond and Associates to design solar systems for two of their schools: The Northside Middle School which features a 300 kW, 1008 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and the Taylorsville Elementary School which features a 200 kW, 672 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

Over a one-year period, the Northside Middle School PV system generated 454 MWh which offset energy costs by $45,400, and the Taylorsville Elementary School PV system generated 249 MWh which offset energy costs by $24,900. The schools incorporated the solar monitoring system in a school-wide program that compliments their STEM education curriculum.

Tri-North Middle School Monroe County Community Schools

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Size 156,000 SF  New Construction

Construction Completion  2021

Building Project Summary

Design
The Tri-North Middle School design utilizes next-generation learning elements including an open media center, collaboration spaces, and small group rooms throughout the building. Teachers and administrators had expressed the need for spaces to be flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing educational world.

Challenge
The Middle School is a new school being constructed on the same site as the existing school building, which was completely functional throughout construction. A focus on energy efficiency required extensive building modeling to review all HVAC system options.

Solution
R.E. Dimond and Associates’ mechanical team designed a  closed-loop geothermal system with terminal heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators to meet energy efficiency goals.  The electrical department designed roof-mounted solar arrays and utilized LED lighting for the socially responsible school district.

Eagle Branch Library – Indianapolis Public Library

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Eagle Branch library

Exceeding the goal of LEEDv4 Silver Certification for Indy PL’s Eagle Branch

Indianapolis library patrons enjoy one of the newest standalone branches on Indianapolis’ westside with design services by R.E. Dimond and Associates for the mechanical, electrical, solar photo-voltaic (PV), plumbing, and fire suppression systems.

The Indianapolis Public Library challenged the design team to meet a goal of LEEDv4 Silver Certification in energy and resource conservation and design a sustainable system with a limited budget. We exceeded those and achieved LEEDv4 Gold Certification.

The library is one of Indianapolis Public Library’s newest stand-alone facilities. The new 20,000 SF building replaces a much smaller location which served the public since 1970.

  • The new Eagle Branch Public Library is located on 3.66 acres on Indianapolis’ West Side demographical area.
  • The location provides improved visibility for the library.
  • The expanded branch offers group study rooms, a 100-seat community meeting room, a computer lab, and more spaces for children and teen programs.
  • The facility is fully ADA accessible and has easy access to public transportation.

Overview

  • Project: Eagle Branch library
  • Location: 3905 Moller Road, Indianapolis
  • Client: Indianapolis Public Library
  • Cost: $7.9 million
  • Project size: 20,000 SF
  • Goal: LEED certification and expansion

Originally in pursuit of LEED Silver certification, the Eagle Branch Library has implemented energy efficient equipment that is anticipated to save the Library over $10,000 per year in operating costs resulting in a LEEDv4 Gold Certification.

Resource-sipping lights and plumbing fixtures saves money and resources

Inside the Eagle Branch library
Inside the Eagle Branch library

Safer exterior lighting

Lighting of the library features LED lighting throughout the building’s interior and exterior site.

Maximum natural light inside

Full-length windows offer natural lighting along with interior lighting design to provide optimum lighting throughout the facility.

28% less water usage

Plumbing design incorporated the use of low flow water fixtures, resulting in a 28% reduction in water consumption annually compared to those of standard flow fixtures.

Rising to the challenge of LEEDv4 Silver Certification for Indy PL’s Eagle Branch with solar power

Solar panels at Indy PL Eagle Branch
A 66.2kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system provides approximately 75% of the branch’s electricity needs.

The challenges in meeting the requirements for LEED certification were accomplished by utilizing

  • Variable-air-volume (VAV) air terminal units with hot water heating coils,
  • Coupled with a direct expansion (DX) air-handling unit (AHU).
  • The mechanical system includes a heating water plant comprised of high efficiency condensing boilers.
  • A perimeter heating system provides the Indianapolis Public Library with a high level of temperature control while ensuring comfort to patrons in rooms with large expanses of glass.
  • A 66.2kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system mounted on the roof, which provides 75% of the branch’s electricity needs.

Hamilton County Community Corrections Photovoltaic System

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Hamilton County Corrections Solar Farm

Innovative use of space meets energy efficiency for Hamilton County taxpayers

R.E. Dimond and Associates prepared mechanical and electrical plans and specifications for the Hamilton County Community Corrections facility. Completed in 2018, this project involved a new heating water system and the addition of solar panels.

The solar photovoltaic panels are placed on the roofs of the jail, work release building, juvenile detention facility, woman’s annex, and the administrative building in Noblesville. Solar panels are also arrayed on county-owned land nearby and provide enough energy to air-condition and heat the jail and county health department buildings.

Solar panels at the Hamilton County Corrections campus
Solar panels on the roof at the Hamilton County Correctional Facility

Adding power to the grid beyond the correctional facilities

As one of the largest solar installations in the state, the Hamilton County Corrections solar project does more than heat and cool the correctional facilities. With 9,300 solar panels, the system generates enough electricity to power about 500 extra homes. This means more sustainable power for Hamilton County residents added to the grid and has saved or earned millions of dollars in utility costs.

Monroe County Community School Corporation Templeton Elementary

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Completed 2018

R.E. Dimond and Associates is proud to be on the design team for Monroe County Community School Corporation’s Energy Use Reduction program. Templeton Elementary is replacing existing lighting with LED fixtures, installing occupancy sensors and solar panels on the roof which help reduce energy consumption.

Liberty Fund Headquarters

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Construction Cost
$22,000,000

Size
 63,000 SF new construction

Construction Completion
Winter,  2016

Building Project Summary:

R.E. Dimond was proud to be selected to join the design team for Liberty Fund’s new headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, which centers around a library of special collections.

R.E. Dimond provided the MEP design for an energy-efficient geothermal system utilizing water source heat pumps and energy recovery units. Challenges included discovering an unanticipated quantity of on-site limestone when installing the geothermal well field, while an unusually high water table provided additional heat transfer through the underground system. This system uses an estimated 30% less energy than conventional HVAC systems. In addition, a dry chemical fire suppression system protects Liberty Fund’s historical archive of materials.

Electrical services included the design of LED lighting and control systems throughout the building and incorporating standby power and a complete fire alarm system.

Liberty Fund is a non-profit foundation that promotes a deeper understanding of liberty around the world.

Winner of a 2017 Indy Chamber Monumental Award

 

Plainfield Fire Station 123

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Construction Cost

$5,000,000

Size

 22,000 SF

Construction Completed

 December 2011

Plainfield Fire Station 123 Energy Efficient Design

R. E. Dimond & Associates provided the complete Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing design for the Plainfield Fire Station 123 in Plainfield, Indiana.  Services provided by R. E. Dimond included security and fire alarm systems in addition to the standard HVAC design, lighting and electrical layout and plumbing design.

The station is designed to be energy efficient.  It is cooled by a geothermal system and much of the light is natural.  It uses energy-efficient lighting, is partially constructed of recycled products and water use is kept to a minimum with low flow toilets and faucets.

Station 123 has a capacity of 15 firefighters which includes extra staffing for emergencies such as flooding or to accommodate firefighters from other stations out-of-service because of crises.  This station will also be a training center with high-tech training room, areas simulating fires in tight spaces such as manholes and sewer pipes and a tower to learn rope-rescue techniques and ladder training.

Our Location

Located in the heart of Indianapolis, R.E. Dimond is an Indianapolis MEP engineering consulting firm.

We are easily accessible from major interstates around Indiana and offer large conference rooms suitable for hosting project meetings and free parking.

START A PROJECT

Contact Bill Eisler, Executive Vice President, Mechanical Services – bill.eisler@redimond.com

732 N Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317.634.4672

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