Project Overview

Conducted a district-wide assessment of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems across five campuses and 50+ buildings to identify modernization needs, energy efficiency improvements, and safety upgrades. The evaluation, funded by a $109 million school bond, provided a comprehensive infrastructure inventory and prioritized recommendations to guide phased facility upgrades.

Role & Responsibilities

🔹 Field Investigations – Conducted site surveys across all campuses within a condensed one-week timeline. Inspected mechanical rooms, electrical panels, and plumbing infrastructure while coordinating access with school facilities staff.
🔹 Data Collection & Documentation – Verified existing conditions, recorded equipment specifications, and documented deficiencies with photos and field notes. Created a district-wide MEP asset register for long-term facility planning.
🔹 Analysis & Recommendations – Assessed system lifespans, performance issues, and capacity limits relative to school needs. Developed a priority scoring system to classify upgrades as immediate, near-term, short-term, or long-term, with cost estimates for each.
🔹 Reporting & Presentation – Compiled findings into a detailed assessment report, including narrative descriptions, condition ratings, and recommended upgrades. Presented results to the school district and bond committee to align facility improvements with budget and sustainability goals.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Tight Timeline & Logistics – Surveying 50+ buildings in one week required precise scheduling and efficient data collection.
✔ Solution: Coordinated pre-assessment planning with school staff, optimized survey routes, and split into small teams to maximize coverage.
🔹 Aging Infrastructure & Incomplete Records – Many buildings had undocumented modifications, requiring on-the-spot verification.
✔ Solution: Cross-referenced site observations with maintenance staff knowledge and record drawings to fill in data gaps.
🔹 Comprehensive System Coverage – Ensuring a thorough review across multiple disciplines required a structured approach.
✔ Solution: Used standardized checklists for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, aligning with Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) standards.
🔹 Minimizing Disruptions in Occupied Schools – Inspections had to be conducted safely without interfering with school operations.
✔ Solution: Scheduled sensitive inspections during off-peak hours, followed all school safety protocols, and used PPE for high-voltage and rooftop work.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Informed Budgeting & Planning – Provided a prioritized roadmap for facility upgrades, helping the district allocate bond funds efficiently.
✅ Improved System Reliability & Safety – Identified and addressed immediate risks, including overloaded electrical panels and failing HVAC units.
✅ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability – Recommended high-efficiency boilers, LED lighting retrofits, and HVAC upgrades, aligning with the district’s green initiatives.
✅ Long-Term Facility Management – Delivered a living reference for MEP infrastructure, allowing the district to track equipment lifespans and plan preventative maintenance.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Need a facility condition assessment or an infrastructure upgrade plan? Let’s connect to discuss how NLS can help you optimize your building systems for safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Ashland School District MEP Systems Assessment & Recommendations

(Ashland, OR)