Western Allied Mechanical

Our Story

Three years ago we moved into a new 115,000 SF office and fabrication facility with a goal. For years we have designed and installed energy efficient and sustainable systems for our client and had the opportunity to create a facility that is not only functional, but incorporated the decarbonization that is so crucial for the future. We installed 850kW of solar on the roof and changed out all of the gas package units with heat pumps. The results are a nearly net zero energy facility. Finding high-efficiency sustainable solutions that do not break the bank is what we have demonstrated at our work facility and on our client projects across the Bay Area.

Sustainability and energy efficiency has always been part of our DNA

The recently constructed Millbrae Recreation Center is a ground up construction project that used a standard equipment installed and controlled in such a way that the facility has great temperature control with an all electric/carbon neutral outcome that was also cost effective. Other sustainable features like mass timber further beautify this event and community space. The offices and event spaces seemed to be the early adopters for all electric efficient buildings; whereas life science labs had greater HVAC demands.

Life science buildings – Is decarbonization and electrification feasible?

The San Francisco bay area has been a thriving marketplace for life science research and a key market for Western Allied Mechanical’s expertise for over 40 years. Dry and wet lab spaces often have precise HVAC and plumbing demands that brought a greater challenge for all electric solutions where reliability is a core issue for these clients. Designing effective solutions that are not only cost conscious an provide reliability is key.

The Skyway project is a three-story office-to-lab conversion initially designed with a conventional gas-fired heating plant. During the budgeting phase, the developer requested that WAM evaluate all-electric alternatives to support their decarbonization objectives. After analyzing the building’s demands we developed an all-electric heating and cooling plant that matched the cost of the traditional gas/electric system. We both minimized the electrical load impact while meeting the rigorous requirements of the lab environment. This solution also reduced infrastructure complexity and delivered a better long-term solution for maintainability.

Creative design unlocks the solution

At the 2000 Sierra Point project, WAM applied the same level of foresight at a larger scale, supporting the conversion of a 12-story office building to accommodate future laboratory buildouts. The all-electric design incorporates air-source heat pumps producing chilled and hot water for lab floors, heat recovery at rooftop lab exhaust systems, and new risers installed through an existing elevator shaft to enable future expansion. New 100% outside air handling units and a modern building management system were implemented to optimize performance, flexibility, and energy efficiency. Together, these strategies created a scalable, decarbonized infrastructure and will deliver lasting value.

Decarbonization and electrification in sustainable construction is no longer overlooked because of cost—now it is an immediate imperative shaping how buildings are planned, designed, and delivered. Our work reflects a commitment to helping clients move confidently towards solutions without compromising performance, cost, or lasting quality.

See More Projects at www.westernallied.com

Contact us: ckolar@westernallied.com