Case Study: University of Oklahoma First Year Housing

Photo by Xavier Meisinger

Customer

Matherly Mechanical

ADG Blatt

University of Oklahoma Architecture & Engineering Services

Location

Norman, OK

Services Provided

Commissioning 

Test Adjust and Balance 

ES2 partnered with Matherly Mechanical to provide Testing Adjust and Balancing (TAB) services on a five-floor new-construction dormitory for the first-year students at the University of Oklahoma. This ES2 project delivered a fully optimized air and hydronic HVAC system. Our team performed comprehensive TAB services across a wide range of equipment, including DOAS units, VAVs, exhaust, supply, and return fans, fan coil units, unit heaters, chilled beams, hydronic pumps, pressure-independent flow control dampers, and all associated supply, return, and exhaust grilles. The primary goal was to ensure each system operated according to design intent, maximizing efficiency, improving occupant comfort, and setting the building up for long-term performance.

Throughout the project, ES2's commissioning team worked closely with the architecture firm ADG Blatt to ensure the project met LEED standards. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which requires Enhanced Technical Commissioning. As an NEBB Certified Commissioning company with four Certified Professionals on staff, we meet the LEED standards to complete the commissioning scope.

Our team provided validated system performance and ensured accurate, NEBB-certified documentation of the mechanical system. During testing, our team identified a critical issue: the equipment manufacturer had supplied autoflow valves that were undersized. Left uncorrected, this would have significantly impacted system balance and efficiency. With the project already on a tight timeline, ES2 and Matherly Mechanical collaborated quickly to replace the valves and rebalance the system, successfully meeting the project deadline without sacrificing quality.

An interesting aspect of this project was the inclusion of chilled beam terminal units, also known as induction units. This unique product for a dormitory requires precise control of air pressure and water temperature to prevent the coil from condensing in the dorm room. The benefit of this design is greatly increased efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to a traditional fan coil design. ES2’s experience ensured these systems were properly calibrated and fully integrated into the overall building performance strategy.

As a result of ES2’s work, the client now benefits from an energy-efficient LEED-certified dormitory for the first-year students at the University of Oklahoma. Providing occupant comfort and optimized equipment efficiency, which will contribute to reduced annual utility costs and improved system reliability. Additionally, the delivery of a detailed, certified TAB report provides a valuable resource for ongoing preventative maintenance, giving facility teams clear insight into system performance, locations, and key operational data. This project highlights ES2’s ability to identify issues early, adapt quickly, and deliver high-quality results that support long-term building performance.

📞 Contact ES2 to explore how we can help modernize your facility, cut energy costs, and create more comfortable environments (405) 233-3127.

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