The project: Optimized Systems, now IMEG, has been engaged as the lead designer and systems integrator for multiple controls projects at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine, including the CORE Building, utilizing our Optimized Controls Delivery (OCD) method.

The goal: Enhance building automation and energy efficiency through a well-defined controls delivery approach, thereby ensuring consistency across UNMC’s facilities while improving cost efficiency and project delivery timelines.

Project scope: IMEG provided comprehensive controls design services for the CORE Building, including:

  • Reviewing mechanical design drawings and providing written feedback
  •  Assisting in the development of the controls specification for bid documents.
  • Collaborating on the sequence of operations to align with design intent.
  • Participating in pre-bid walkthroughs and addressing technical inquiries.
  • Responding to RFIs throughout construction.
  • Developing detailed control drawings, including P&ID diagrams, network riser wiring diagrams, and bill of materials for all control components.
  • Deploy the campus BAS in the new building and integrate DDC devices.
  • Program the controls in accordance with UNMC standards and optimization strategies.

Design approach: IMEG worked closely with the project design team and UNMC stakeholders to ensure the controls system aligns with the institution’s established standards, which were originally developed by IMEG. The design focused on clarity and precision to facilitate seamless project delivery and ensure reliable, long-term building performance.

Challenge: Ensuring the design and delivery of the new controls system conformed precisely with established UNMC’s standards in a fast-moving and complex design build environment.

Solution: By establishing clear and highly detailed design documentation and actively collaborating with UNMC stakeholders and the design and construction team, IMEG streamlined the entire controls design and delivery process. This approach resulted in more accurate bids, significant cost savings, and a faster, more consistent project delivery timeline than traditional controls delivery methods.

Project outcome: IMEG’s involvement in the CORE Building and other UNMC projects has led to improved clarity in bid processes, reduced project costs, and enhanced operational consistency across the medical campus. Through a strategic and systematic approach to building controls, the project contributes to UNMC’s long-term goals.

Photo provided by: Leo A Daly