The Energy Information Administration, in a March 26, 2002, release predicts world energy consumption to increase by 60% by 2020.
Ellerbe Becket’s new energy and technology group, based in the Twin Cities where the firm was founded more than 90 years ago, already is working on projects in the Middle East and South America.
“For years the Ellerbe Becket name has been synonymous with outstanding hospitals and clinics, stadiums and arenas,” said CEO Rick Lincicome. “It’s gratifying to recognize energy and technology as part of our growing list of core competencies.”
Employees whose focus is energy and technology specialize in complex projects such as developing 24/7 systems control and operations monitoring for the electrical utility industry in Texas.
Control Centers
The 2000 Systems Operation & Control Center for the Lower Colorado River Authority in Austin set the stage for Ellerbe Becket’s work in Texas. ERCOT then recruited the firm to develop a similar generating plant and electricity trading facility. The firm has now completed two facilities for the central Texas independent system operator and has begun a project for the city of San Antonio.
Ellerbe Becket's knowledge provides a tremendous value for energy companies who need to react quickly to the changing energy environment. The emphasis on public safety since September 11 has created demand to deliver emergency command centers capable of coordinating a unified response to terrorist threats.
Energy
The firm designed some of the first electrical transmission and distribution networks in the 1940s for the Rural Electrification Association. Since the 1950s, most energy design work has revolved around larger architectural projects, including energy plants to supply corporate, health care and educational institution campuses. These projects, such as NRG’s First Avenue Cooling Plant in Minneapolis, often have won industry awards in recognition of their cutting-edge design.
Last year Ellerbe Becket located employees in Dubai, U.A.E., to support the growing need for district plants in the Middle East. Tabreed/National Central Cooling Company, which sells centrally distributed chilled water, has retained the firm to design its new facility.
Mission Critical Facilities
Energy & Technology encompasses mission critical facilities as well. Between 1996 and 2001, Ellerbe Becket designed more than three-million square feet (278,700 m2) for E*TRADE, General Motors, IBM and OptiGlobe and others. Now considered a prominent provider of reliable data centers, the group continues to do work for corporate clients, technology companies and government entities.
Ellerbe Becket's energy and technology group provides leading edge solutions, based on an understanding of clients' businesses, providing clients with a strategic asset that has a deliverable return-on-investment.
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in the architecture, engineering and construction industries with locations worldwide.
