Lindsay came to mechanical engineering through a fascination with building systems and a conviction that the built environment could do better. As a mechanical engineer and energy analyst, she brings that conviction to every project, from sizing HVAC equipment to modeling energy performance for green certification programs. Her work on the Brentsville District High School turf building, Moseley's first net zero project, put both skills to the test.
What attracted you to this profession?
I have known since I was young that I wanted to have a career that had a positive impact on the environment but wasn't sure what that would look like. Thankfully, I chose a college major that allowed me to explore different paths, and I was drawn to my classes involving the built environment and understanding building systems and energy use. I enjoy problem solving and applying my love of math and science to create real world solutions and design sustainable systems.
What are the most important personality traits to have in your profession?
I think it’s important to be adaptable, curious, patient, and organized. The work in this profession is always moving and evolving, and these traits are key to keep learning and growing with it!
What’s a typical week in your job like?
I enjoy the variability of this career and the projects and tasks I have on deck for any week can vary greatly. I may be sizing HVAC equipment and laying out ductwork for our building plans, getting an energy model ready to submit for a green certification program (LEED, Green Globes, etc.), completing a site visit to gather information on an existing building’s systems, etc.!
What do you like most about your job?
I like getting to see my designs come together during the construction of a project. It’s special to see something you created come to life and be used and impact occupants in real time!
You played a pivotal role in the design of Prince William County Public Schools' Brentsville District High School turf building, Moseley’s first net-zero project. What were the biggest technical challenges in getting the building to net zero, and how did the team solve them?
The building’s small size (6,000 square-feet) was a challenge because it limited the options for HVAC system types that made sense for its scale and limited the available roof space for the solar PV array. A building’s HVAC system is a big energy producer, so in a sense, we were limited on options to both reduce energy and to produce energy with the solar PV.
On the mechanical side, we chose heat pump systems that are an efficient option that worked well with the size of the building. We also ran calculations to estimate the roof size we would need to accommodate enough solar PV to be net zero. This involved some detailed energy modeling and understanding the actual roof area that would be available for solar PV after considering maintenance / safety access paths and HVAC systems that would be on the roof. The result was a roof size 1.4 times the size of the building!
Our architect then ran multiple iterations of possible roof designs to make sure the final building would both be functional and aesthetic. There were also multiple touch points with our solar PV consultant during the design process to make sure we stayed on track to have the final design to be net zero!
What lesson from this project do you now carry into other work, and how has it changed the way you approach energy analysis on new buildings?
No matter the size, every project has the potential to implement unique, impactful, and sustainable designs that go above and beyond. This project emphasized the importance of understanding the client’s energy goals in early design. Energy analysis was essential in making early design decisions that affected every discipline working on this project.
What was the most surprising or rewarding moment you experienced while working on this project?
I think the most rewarding moment is yet to come, when we get to see how the building is operating and performing!
During the design process, I found it rewarding to be so heavily involved in the early design process as well. At those stages, you don’t have all the details worked out for a building’s design, so it was neat to see how, for example, the early solar PV planning transformed over the design process and the final result was aligned with our net zero goals.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I have been enjoying playing trombone in a local concert band this year! I also love to explore public parks around Richmond and have been reconnecting with a childhood hobby - ice skating.
What music are you listening to right now?
I tend to gravitate to the pop genre, which can be so varied. Recently, I have been loving the R&B and jazz sub-genres. Some artists I have had on repeat are Olivia Dean, RAYE, and Laufey.
What’s your favorite film?
I love mid-2000s romcoms like She’s the Man, 27 Dresses, and 13 Going on 30.
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