IMEG provided mechanical engineering design and services for a new seven-story, LEED Gold hospital at Camp Pendleton. The design-build project was one of the largest Recovery Act endeavors within the Department of Defense. The replacement hospital includes a central utilities plant, emergency room, surface parking, and a 1,500-space multi-level parking structure. Supporting facilities include inpatient services, ancillary departments, specialty care clinics, administrative services, and a non-ambulatory center. Surgical, dental, and intensive care services were also incorporated into the new facility.

Engineers were diligent in designing the most cost-effective and energy-efficient mechanical systems for the new hospital. The mechanical systems are estimated to provide a total energy savings of 32.2 percent. This was accomplished through the design of high-efficiency boilers with economizers, a single pump package with variable speed drivers, and a portion of the domestic hot water provided by a solar water heater. A high-efficiency heat recovery chiller contributes eight percent of the total energy savings. Additional energy savings include high-efficiency chillers with low kW/ton, low E glazing. Digital controls on the supply and return-air terminal units maintain minimum air quantity required during unoccupied times allowing for lowering fan energy. Photovoltaic arrays were designed to receive a portion of the necessary energy from renewable sources and the Green Roof minimizes the solar heat load to the building.