Case Study: Modernizing Building Controls in the Annenberg Building at Mt. Sinai Hospital
Overview of the Project
T.M. Bier & Associates, a trusted leader in building management systems and an EcoXpert Partner with Schneider Electric, is currently undertaking a significant controls retrofit project at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Annenberg Building. The project replaces outdated controllers with next-generation Schneider Electric controllers to ensure the facility’s operations remain reliable and efficient.
The retrofit involves hundreds of older controllers, in use for over a decade, that are no longer supported or purchasable. To mitigate risks, TMBA is replacing ten controllers with newer models while repurposing the old controllers as spare parts. This phased approach balances the hospital’s budget while modernizing critical systems incrementally. The project began in June 2024, with physical upgrades starting in October 2024, and is scheduled for completion by April 2025.
The upgraded controllers and network architecture enhance system responsiveness, improve energy reduction capabilities, and lay the foundation for future upgrades. The updated system operates faster and more reliably, providing a seamless experience for hospital staff.
Project Details
The project retrofits existing Schneider Electric controllers with next-generation models and upgrades network switches to support a modern Cat6 architecture. These updates ensure compatibility in critical hospital environments, including operating rooms, biosafety labs, and pharmacies, while maintaining seamless operation to avoid disruptions. The BMS network riser, which had been upgraded to armored fiber optic cabling as part of a previous project on the building, significantly increases network speed and reliability, supporting these ongoing improvements.
The upgrades provide faster network response times, improved reliability, enhanced energy efficiency, and future-proofing for phased upgrades. The project is progressing efficiently within its planned timeline.
Challenges and Solutions
Redesigning the network architecture presented a significant challenge, requiring the replacement of a 2-wire shielded system with a modern Cat6 network. TMBA carefully planned the placement of new network switch panels to support both current and future expansions, ensuring seamless scalability.
Maintaining 24/7 hospital operations posed another challenge. TMBA executed upgrades on a live system, temporarily switching controllers to manual control during the workday and reverting them to automatic control by the end of the day. This approach ensured uninterrupted airflow and maintained optimal environmental conditions for patients, staff, and research spaces.
Rigorous testing and commissioning were conducted before finalizing each phase, ensuring every component operated flawlessly and upheld the highest standards of reliability and safety.
TMBA’s Expertise in Healthcare Environments
TMBA’s extensive experience in healthcare environments is demonstrated by their meticulous planning and execution. The Annenberg Building’s critical systems—operating rooms, biosafety labs, and pharmacies—require zero downtime and uninterrupted operations. TMBA’s ability to perform live system upgrades without disrupting hospital operations reflects their deep understanding of the unique challenges in healthcare settings.
This project underscores TMBA’s commitment to minimizing disruption to patient care, adhering to rigorous testing protocols, and collaborating with clients to deliver phased upgrades within budgetary constraints.
Looking Ahead
The Annenberg Building project marks the first phase of a broader modernization effort at Mount Sinai Hospital. TMBA’s proactive approach ensures the hospital’s building management systems remain reliable, efficient, and prepared for future advancements. With this project, TMBA solidifies its reputation as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge solutions for complex healthcare environments.
