The Federal Sustainability Plan

Leading the Way to a Greener Future

President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan, established under Executive Order 14057, sets ambitious goals to reduce the federal government’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% from 2005 levels by 2030, with the ultimate aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative is central to addressing the climate crisis while fostering economic growth through investments in American clean energy industries and creating well-paying jobs.

The plan’s key objectives include:

100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030, with half coming from local clean energy sources.
100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) acquisitions by 2035, with light-duty vehicles achieving this by 2027.
A net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045, with a 50% reduction in emissions by 2032.
Net-zero emissions from federal procurement by 2050, supported by the Buy Clean policy promoting low-emission construction materials.
Net-zero emissions across all federal operations by 2050, with a 65% reduction by 2030.

This plan highlights the federal government’s role in advancing sustainable practices while enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting innovation.

Saturn Enterprises’ Role in Sustainability

At Saturn, we are proud to align our mission with the Federal Sustainability Plan’s goals. By focusing on smart building technology and energy-efficient solutions, we help reduce carbon footprints, enhance operational performance, and support sustainable practices across our projects.

Sustainable Solutions
for a Greener Future

Saturn’s focus on sustainability and smart building technology ensures that each project we undertake contributes to a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future. Whether retrofitting existing systems or implementing advanced building controls, we help clients reduce their carbon footprint while significantly lowering operational costs and enhancing building performance.

On our most recent project, Saturn has partnered with OPIX Systems, LLC, where we are currently upgrading the Building Automation Systems (BAS) in three federal facilities in GSA Region 7—Austin, Midland, and Fort Worth, Texas. These projects directly contribute to the federal government’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. By utilizing advanced building materials and technology, we are helping federal buildings move closer to their net-zero emissions targets.

Our recent 8(a) certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration further strengthens our position to support the federal sector’s sustainability goals. Learn more about how we’re advancing these efforts in GSA Region 7. Saturn is committed to continuing our work toward a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for our clients, the government, and the environment.

The Federal Sustainability Plan: Leading the Way to a Greener Future Read More »

Saturn Enterprises, Inc. Receives SBA 8(a) Certification

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX — September 13, 2024 — Saturn Enterprises, Inc. (www.hvacsaturn.com), an innovative building solutions firm, is proud to announce its official certification as an 8(a) company by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory.

In her statement, Saturn’s President Maria Menzies shared, “After more than 30 years of serving our international clients, we are thrilled to reach this milestone with our 8(a) certification. This opens the door to new opportunities, allowing us to expand into the federal market while continuing to invest in our future. With the support of this SBA program, we look forward to delivering the same high-quality products and services our clients have come to rely on.”

At Saturn Enterprises, Inc., our core mission is to provide cutting-edge building automation and high-efficiency HVAC systems that drive energy savings and operational excellence. This certification solidifies our position as a trusted partner, enabling us to better serve government agencies while continuing to prioritize sustainable and cost-effective solutions for all our clients.

While obtaining our 8(a) certification is a significant achievement, it is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We are actively pursuing additional certifications that reflect our commitment to growth, including:

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)
EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business)
MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
WBE (Women Business Enterprise)

These certifications underscore our dedication to providing sustainable, innovative building solutions for the building automation and high-efficiency HVAC sectors. We remain committed to delivering forward-thinking, environmentally responsible solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

At Saturn, we understand the importance of seamless project execution. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, we offer comprehensive support from start to finish. Our proven track record ensures timely responses and swift turnaround times, helping our clients achieve their goals and objectives.

Choose Saturn Enterprises as your trusted partner for tailored solutions and unmatched reliability. View a summary of our past performance on our Capabilities Statement (pdf)

Capability Statement

Thank you for your continued support!

Saturn Enterprises, Inc. Receives SBA 8(a) Certification Read More »

Building Automation Across Texas

Saturn Enterprises, Inc. is excited to announce our latest project in GSA Region 7, where we are partnering with OPIX Systems, LLC to retrofit and upgrade the Building Automation Systems (BAS) across federal buildings in Austin, Fort Worth, and Midland, Texas.

These upgrades reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and support the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and GSA’s mission to improve energy efficiency and optimize space utilization. Aligned with the Federal Sustainability Plan’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, this project is part of a larger effort to make federal facilities leaders in environmental responsibility. We’re proud to use American-made materials and technology that not only benefit the environment but also save taxpayer dollars.

With our recent 8(a) certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Saturn is poised to expand efforts within the federal sector. As we pursue additional certifications like WBE, WOSB, EDWOSB, and MBE, our commitment to sustainable building automation remains stronger than ever.

Together, we’re helping to shape a future that’s environmentally responsible and reduces the carbon footprint of federal facilities.

GSA Region Map

GSA Region 7: Building Automation Across Texas Read More »

Tridium’s Latest Technology: Jace 9000

Advancing Building Automation

At Saturn Enterprises, Inc., we continuously strive to bring the best in building automation solutions to our clients. Partnering with Master Systems Integrators and experts, we oversee project success through innovative technologies. Today, we spotlight the JACE 9000 controller by Tridium and compare it with the JACE 8000 to highlight the advancements in building automation.

The Power of Tridium’s Niagara Framework

Tridium, a global leader in building automation software, developed the Niagara Framework to streamline communication and data integration from diverse devices and systems. The Niagara 4 Framework, widely adopted in countless projects worldwide, stands out for its ability to interface with multivendor devices, making it an optimal choice for integration projects.

The JACE 9000

The JACE 9000 is a compact, embedded IoT controller and server platform designed to connect multiple and diverse devices and sub-systems. It offers integrated control, supervision, data logging, alarming, scheduling, and network management. The JACE 9000’s licensing model includes standard drivers and optional IO and field bus expansion modules, providing ultimate flexibility and expandability.

Comparing the JACE 8000 vS JACE 9000

Both controllers are optimized for the Niagara 4 Framework, offering robust capabilities for device connectivity and data integration. However, the JACE 9000 brings several enhancements over the JACE 8000.

Robust Performance: Powered by an NXP iMX8M+ Quad Core CPU and 2GB LPDDR4 RAM.
Storage and Connectivity: Equipped with 8GB onboard EMMC storage, an 8GB micro-SD card, dual Ethernet ports, and advanced Wi-Fi capabilities.
Niagara 4 Compatibility: Runs Niagara 4.13 or later, ensuring optimal performance and integration capabilities.

Smart Building Benefits with the JACE 9000

The JACE 9000 is ideal for larger facilities, multi-building applications, and large-scale control system integrations. Its advanced graphical displays can be accessed via a standard web browser, making it a user-friendly and powerful tool for building automation.

For projects with multiple JACE units spread geographically, a Niagara Supervisor host server can aggregate information, including alarms and historical and real-time data, into a single, unified application. This ensures comprehensive visibility and control across campuses, school districts, or municipalities.

JACE9000-DataSheet — **Download the JACE 9000 Data Sheet**

Why Invest in Smart Building Systems?

Investing in Building Automation Systems (BAS) offers numerous benefits:

Energy Efficiency: Optimize energy use through precise control and monitoring of building systems.
Enhanced Comfort: Ensure occupant comfort with automated HVAC, lighting, and security controls.
Operational Savings: Reduce operational costs with predictive maintenance and efficient resource management.
Future-Ready: Stay ahead with scalable and upgradeable technology that adapts to evolving needs.

Learn more about the advantages of Building Automation and how they can improve your operations by exploring our in-depth resources on building automation.

At Saturn Enterprises, Inc., we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to meet your building automation needs. The JACE 9000 represents a significant step forward in control and integration, ensuring efficient and streamlined building management. Partner with us to leverage this advanced technology and achieve your project goals. See Our Latest BAS Project.

For more information or to discuss how the JACE 9000 can be integrated into your next project, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve new heights in building automation and efficiency.

Tridium’s Latest Technology: Jace 9000 Read More »

Ready to Transform Your Building with Expert BAS Installation?

Are you considering installing a Building Automation System (BAS) in your building? Look no further than Saturn Enterprises, Inc. We partner with top-tier experts and Master Systems Integrators to oversee and drive the success of your smart building project. With our collaborative approach and industry expertise, we ensure your BAS installation is executed flawlessly.

At Saturn Enterprises, Inc., we recognize that every building has its unique characteristics and requirements. That’s why we work closely with our partners to customize each installation to meet your specific needs. By carefully selecting the right equipment and solutions, we deliver exceptional value for your investment, ensuring cost-effective and efficient outcomes.

Whether your goal is to improve energy efficiency, enhance occupant comfort, or bolster building security, our team has the skills and knowledge to help you achieve it. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial consultation to final commissioning.

Choose Saturn Enterprises, Inc. for unparalleled BAS installation services through our partnerships with industry-leading experts. We tailor each project to your unique requirements, select the most suitable equipment, and ensure you receive the best value for your investment. Partner with us for your smart building needs and experience the difference in quality and commitment.

Check out the diagram below to see an example of a typical system diagram.

Learn more about building automation systems

Ready to Transform Your Building with Expert BAS Installation? Read More »

BBVA Bancomer Tower

Advanced Fire and Smoke Damper Solutions for a Modern High-Rise

Saturn Enterprises, Inc. was proud to collaborate with leading design engineers to provide state-of-the-art fire and smoke damper systems for the BBVA Bancomer Tower. This 235-meter, 52-story skyscraper in Mexico City serves as the BBVA headquarters and is located on the prestigious Paseo de la Reforma, offering stunning views of the city and Chapultepec Park. As part of the comprehensive building solutions for this modern marvel, our team focused on ensuring safety and compliance with international fire regulations for one of the most prestigious high-rises in Latin America.

Project Overview

Designed by renowned architectural firms Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Legorreta + Legorreta, the BBVA Bancomer Tower blends the best of Mexican architectural heritage with modern, energy-efficient technology. The building’s design includes an external braced frame for enhanced seismic protection, a crucial feature for structures in Mexico City’s earthquake-prone region. This advanced engineering solution not only strengthens the building but also contributes to its iconic design, maximizing the use of natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.

Sustainability and Safety at the Core

The BBVA Bancomer Tower is more than just an architectural landmark; it is a model of sustainability, achieving Gold LEED certification for its energy-efficient systems and design. Saturn’s fire and smoke damper solutions contributed to the building’s ability to meet stringent safety and environmental requirements without compromising airflow efficiency. Our systems ensure that the building maintains optimal indoor air quality while offering life-saving protection in the event of an emergency.

Fire and Smoke Protection Systems

Safety was a paramount concern for this high-profile project. The building’s design required an advanced fire and smoke damper system to be seamlessly incorporated into its structure. Working closely with the project’s structural and safety engineers, Saturn delivered customized solutions that provide optimal protection, ensuring rapid isolation of fire and smoke in the event of an emergency. Saturn was entrusted with the design and implementation of the building’s fire and smoke damper systems, essential for ensuring the safety of its 4,500 occupants.

The Result

Today, the BBVA Bancomer Tower stands as a beacon of modern architectural and engineering innovation. With over 78,800 square meters of office space, this high-rise combines advanced technology, safety, and aesthetics. We are proud to have been a part of this significant project, and our fire and smoke damper systems play a crucial role in making this skyscraper one of the safest and most energy-efficient buildings in Mexico. Our contribution helped create an iconic structure that embodies the intersection of innovation, safety, and sustainability.

Saturn Enterprises is honored to have played a part in this project, bringing our expertise in fire and smoke protection to one of Mexico’s most iconic buildings.

BBVA Bancomer Tower Read More »

Maximizing Comfort and Efficiency

Commercial Roof Ventilation Fans

In the dynamic world of commercial and industrial spaces, there’s a silent champion working tirelessly above our heads — the commercial roof ventilation fan. Despite their unassuming appearance, these unsung heroes play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort, efficiency, and longevity of our business environments. At Saturn Enterprises, where innovation meets excellence, we understand the profound impact these ventilation systems have on enhancing your workplace experience. Let’s explore why these fans are not just functional necessities but integral components of a thriving workspace.

Types of Commercial Roof Ventilation Fans

Commercial roof ventilation fans come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored to address specific needs and challenges. Here’s a closer look at five essential types:

Downblast Roof Ventilators: Picture a steady stream of fresh air circulating through your workspace, ensuring optimal air quality and comfort levels.
Wind-Driven Turbine Ventilators: Harnessing the natural forces of wind, these fans create a refreshing breeze that sweeps away stale air, moisture, and worries about stuffy work environments.
Upblast Roof Ventilators: Say goodbye to kitchen odors and smoke as these fans whisk away contaminated air, leaving behind a clean and inviting atmosphere for culinary adventures.
Hooded Exhaust Fans: Imagine breathing in pure, clean air, free from pollutants and excess heat, thanks to these trusty fans that work tirelessly to purify your indoor environment.
Emergency Smoke Exhaust Ventilators: In moments of crisis, these specialized fans spring into action, swiftly evacuating smoke and heat to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within your premises.

Why You Need Commercial Roof Ventilation Fans

Energy Efficiency: Let’s talk savings! By promoting proper air circulation, ventilation fans help maintain consistent temperatures, easing the burden on your heating and cooling systems. Say hello to lower utility bills and goodbye to unnecessary energy waste.
Mold Prevention: Nobody likes unwanted guests, especially when they come in the form of mold. With ventilation fans in place, you can bid farewell to mold growth and hello to a healthier indoor environment. Breathe easy knowing that your workspace is mold-free and conducive to productivity.
Ice Dam Prevention: Winter woes be gone! With ventilation fans regulating temperatures and preventing moisture buildup, you can kiss ice dams and their associated headaches goodbye. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is safeguarded against seasonal challenges.
Temperature Harmony: No more hot spots or chilly corners! Ventilation fans ensure uniform temperatures throughout your workspace, minimizing discomfort and maximizing productivity. Say goodbye to thermostat wars and hello to a harmonious work environment.
Roof Longevity: A well-ventilated roof is a happy roof. By promoting airflow and reducing moisture buildup, ventilation fans help extend the lifespan of your roofing system, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements in the long run.

Elevate Your Workspace Experience

In the fast-paced world of business, every advantage counts. Don’t underestimate the power of commercial roof ventilation fans in transforming your workspace into a haven of comfort, efficiency, and productivity. At Saturn Enterprises, we’re more than just experts in building automation and HVAC solutions; we’re your partners in creating spaces where innovation thrives and excellence reigns supreme. Ventilation fans can make the difference they can make in elevating your workplace to new heights of success.

Commercial Roof Ventilation Read More »

Effect of Ceilings on Room Sound Levels

Full Ceiling – Area Source:

When a room boasts a complete ceiling that spans from wall to wall, it serves as a barrier, isolating the room from the area above it. This overhead space is often utilized for the return air path to the air handler, as well as for mounting mechanical equipment, plumbing, electrical supplies, and lighting. This open space becomes a distinct area separated from the occupied space below. Consequently, sound generated in the return plenum disperses throughout the plenum, creating an area sound source that evenly permeates the entire ceiling into the space below. AHRI Standard 885 outlines how the sound from mechanical equipment is impacted as it enters the occupied space. Sound measurements in the occupied space remain relatively constant across the entire floor area in the room.

No Ceiling – Point Source:

In the absence of a ceiling, the sound generated by mechanical equipment doesn’t enter the occupied space in the same way as when a ceiling is present. The sound source transforms into a point source, predominantly influenced by the distance between the source and the receiver. It may also be reflected from various equipment in the upper part of the room and directed towards specific areas in the occupied space. With only one overall space, the room volume increases. While AHRI Standard 885 provides a method for predicting sound levels in the occupied space under this condition, it tends to be overly optimistic. Measured attenuation values in each octave band differ significantly from predictions made with and without a ceiling. Attempts to achieve acceptable NC values in the occupied space without a ceiling often lead to oversized mechanical equipment to reduce noise. Furthermore, equipment sound levels tend to shift towards higher octave bands, adding to diffuser noise. Sound readings in the occupied space vary widely across the entire floor area, dissipating with increasing distance from the equipment.

Cloud or Floating Ceilings:

Cloud ceilings or floating ceilings are partially suspended, not extending from wall to wall. They are commonly used to conceal mechanical equipment in the upper part of the room or to enhance the room’s height near perimeter glass for a larger view. Under optimal conditions, room NC levels with cloud ceilings may not be better than those without a ceiling. Some areas might experience higher noise levels as noise from above the ceiling is concentrated on specific spots or areas in the occupied space.

Exercise caution when predicting room noise levels with partial or no ceilings, as the values can significantly differ from those in a space with a full ceiling.

Effect of Ceilings on Room Sound Levels Read More »

American Express: Torre Del Angel

Saturn Enterprises, Inc. proudly contributed to the modernization of the American Express headquarters in Mexico City, located at Reforma 350, also known as Torre del Angel. This iconic 21-story building on Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s most prestigious avenue, is situated at the Plaza of the Angel of Independence, the city’s best-known monument.

Enhancing Efficiency and Quality

Our project featured cutting-edge building automation solutions, including high-performance fan-powered Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems and advanced controls. Our work at Torre del Angel involved implementing state-of-the-art systems to boost energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. This redevelopment of an existing 1980s vintage building was led by renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, transforming it into an International Class A office space and ensuring a comfortable and productive environment for American Express employees.

Hines, along with its Mexican partners, invested approximately $23 million over two years for a complete renovation. Robert A.M. Stern collaborated with a team of both Mexican and U.S. architects, engineers, and consultants like Saturn Enterprises to achieve the desired transformation. Torre del Angel is located in the principal financial, commercial, and hotel district of downtown Mexico City. The building, covered with shining glass and designed by Robert Stern, stands as an attractive feature for business and tourism. This exquisite address overlooks the famous Angel of Independence monument, one of Mexico’s most representative landmarks, symbolizing freedom and governance.

Project Details

Location & Year: Mexico City, Mexico
Category: High-rise Office, Redevelopment
Stories: 21
Size: 271,000 SF

Location Map

Commitment to Excellence

With over three decades of experience, Saturn Enterprises specializes in innovative solutions for commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Our role in this project underscores our dedication to delivering top-quality, efficient systems from start to finish.

American Express: Torre Del Angel Read More »

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