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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Diamond Bar_Civic Center Sustainability Study_SERA Proposal ResponseDiamond Bar Civic Center Sustainability Study Community Resilience Hub (Mariposa County, CA) Chargepoint EV Charging Center Concept |1 |8 |12 |14 |15 |16 Table of Contents May 15, 2025 Nicholas Delgado Management Analyst City of Diamond Bar Public Works Department Re: Diamond Bar Civic Center Sustainability Study Dear Nicholas Delgado and Members of the Selection Committee: To support Diamond Bar as the State advances its sustainability goals, we offer a strong team experienced in fleet and building electrification, on- site solar and battery storage. We appreciate the City’s proactive infrastructure planning and future-focused approach. Our team, led by SERA Design and Architecture, excels at managing complex projects and balancing diverse priorities to create actionable long- term visions. We bring strategic architectural and master planning expertise, public agency experience, and practical knowledge in electrification and renewable energy to translate technical assessments into sustainable strategies for Diamond Bar. Our integrated team includes: • SERA Design and Architecture (SERA): Lead integrator, providing strategic planning, project and stakeholder management, budget oversight, and translating technical details into accessible narratives. Our architecture and master planning expertise ensures practical and fiscally sound sustainability recommendations. • Interface Engineering (Interface): Establishing energy baselines, identifying electrification and efficiency opportunities, and leading strategic load forecasting, battery storage, and renewable energy system planning for measurable and resilient investments. • KPFF Engineers (KPFF): Providing critical structural oversight for proposed infrastructure upgrades and canopies, ensuring a smooth implementation process. We recognize the importance of the Civic Center Sustainability Plan and are committed to aligning it with your future budgets by leveraging current incentives for maximum impact and value. We are confident in our ability to help the City of Diamond Bar achieve its sustainability objectives, and look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Sincerely, Stuart Colby, NCARB, LEED AP Principal, SERA Design and Architecture, Inc. stuartc@seradesign.com | 503.445.7329 Interested in learning more about SERA’s sustainability practices? SERA’s Sustainability Action Plan outlines the goals, objectives, strategies and values that represent our commitment to sustainability in everything we do. From our design philosophy and processes to sustainable placemaking, social sustainability and even operations, the Sustainability Action Plan serves as a guide to remain accountable to our goals, working toward continual improvement. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA Project Team SERA Design and Architecture Prime Consultant – Integrator For 56 years, SERA has been dedicated to making people’s daily lives better. We transform diverse challenges into strategic, client-focused solutions that balance budget, sustainability, and long-term vision. Rooted in collaboration and iteration, our work spans architecture, master planning, sustainability and decarbonization strategies. We have expertise in renovating existing and historic structures, support policy creation and implementation, and manage LEED certification. We provide forward-thinking solutions that enhance resilience through a public-service lens. As a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary firm with offices in Portland, OR, and Oakland, CA, we prioritize collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. Our projects resonate locally, advancing critical climate action and benefiting the communities we serve. Each project is approached individually, ensuring place-based solutions that align with the unique needs of our clients and their communities. 100% 65+ 70+ Just 50%+CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM1 Interface Engineering Subconsultant – Electrical Engineering Interface Engineering is a multidiscipline mechanical and electrical engineering firm known for innovative resource use, visionary sustainable design and breakthrough engineering solutions for new and existing buildings. Our work demonstrates how integrated design and creative collaboration can produce outstanding results—for our clients, our community and our environment. From four employees in 1969, our practice has grown into a nationally recognized consultancy with over 220 professionals in ten offices. We focus on high-performance, pragmatic design, and to date have completed several hundred LEED certified projects and Net-Zero buildings. Our diverse market sector activity has allowed us to grow and we consistently rank high in industry surveys. Today, we are at the forefront of an evolving industry, transforming the concept of what the built environment can be. Interface has a long history of implementing high performance design strategies that dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. We have extensive expertise in designing new and replacement all-electric central utility plants, as well as renewable energy microgrids, which are often key components in the effort to decarbonize building operations in concert with the implementation of electrification. Perhaps more crucially, we have experience in guiding organizations through these changes by providing unbiased analysis of the available options, including consideration of space requirements, first cost, energy costs, carbon emissions, and O&M costs. Organizational Chart Firm Profile Interface Engineering is a multidiscipline mechanical and electrical engineering firm known for innovative resource use, visionary sustainable design and breakthrough engi- neering solutions for new and existing build- ings. Our work demonstrates how integrated design and creative collaboration can pro- duce outstanding results — for our clients, our community and our environment. From four employees in 1969, our practice has grown into a nationally recognized consultan- cy with over 220 professionals in ten offices. We focus on high-performance, pragmatic design, and to date have completed several hundred LEED certified projects and Net-Zero buildings. Our diverse market sector activity has allowed us to grow and we consistent- ly rank high in industry surveys. Today, we are at the forefront of an evolving industry, transforming the concept of what the built environment can be. Interface has a long history of implementing high performance design strategies that dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. We have extensive expertise in designing new and replacement all-electric central utility plants, as well as renewable energy microgrids, which are often key components in the effort to decarbonize building operations in concert with the implementation of electrification. Perhaps more crucially, we have experience in guiding organizations through these changes by providing unbiased analysis of the available options, including consideration of space requirements, first cost, energy costs, carbon emissions, and O&M costs. Our Offices 601 S Figueroa Street Suite 2750 Los Angeles, CA 90017 49 Stevenson Street Suite 660 San Francisco, CA 94105 1999 Harrison Street Suite 550 Oakland, CA 94612 1003 Bishop Street Suite 750 Honolulu, HI 96813 700 17th Street Suite 1820 Denver, CO 80202 100 SW Main Street Suite 1600 Portland, OR 97204 100 S Wacker Drive Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60606 13423 Blanco Road Suite 599 San Antonio, TX 78216 2000 M Street NW Suite 270 Washington, DC 20036 Interface NYC 17 State St. Suite 4000 New York, NY 10004 80+ 140+ 40+ Licensed PEs Designers + EITs Administrative + Support 10 Offices Licensed in 44 States Firm Profile Interface Engineering is a multidiscipline mechanical and electrical engineering firm known for innovative resource use, visionary sustainable design and breakthrough engi- neering solutions for new and existing build- ings. Our work demonstrates how integrated design and creative collaboration can pro- duce outstanding results — for our clients, our community and our environment. From four employees in 1969, our practice has grown into a nationally recognized consultan- cy with over 220 professionals in ten offices. We focus on high-performance, pragmatic design, and to date have completed several hundred LEED certified projects and Net-Zero buildings. Our diverse market sector activity has allowed us to grow and we consistent- ly rank high in industry surveys. Today, we are at the forefront of an evolving industry, transforming the concept of what the built environment can be. Interface has a long history of implementing high performance design strategies that dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. We have extensive expertise in designing new and replacement all-electric central utility plants, as well as renewable energy microgrids, which are often key components in the effort to decarbonize building operations in concert with the implementation of electrification. Perhaps more crucially, we have experience in guiding organizations through these changes by providing unbiased analysis of the available options, including consideration of space requirements, first cost, energy costs, carbon emissions, and O&M costs. Our Offices 601 S Figueroa Street Suite 2750 Los Angeles, CA 90017 49 Stevenson Street Suite 660 San Francisco, CA 94105 1999 Harrison Street Suite 550 Oakland, CA 94612 1003 Bishop Street Suite 750 Honolulu, HI 96813 700 17th Street Suite 1820 Denver, CO 80202 100 SW Main Street Suite 1600 Portland, OR 97204 100 S Wacker Drive Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60606 13423 Blanco Road Suite 599 San Antonio, TX 78216 2000 M Street NW Suite 270 Washington, DC 20036 Interface NYC 17 State St. Suite 4000 New York, NY 10004 80+ 140+ 40+ Licensed PEs Designers + EITs Administrative + Support 10 Offices Licensed in 44 States Firm Profile Interface Engineering is a multidiscipline mechanical and electrical engineering firm known for innovative resource use, visionary sustainable design and breakthrough engi- neering solutions for new and existing build- ings. Our work demonstrates how integrated design and creative collaboration can pro- duce outstanding results — for our clients, our community and our environment. From four employees in 1969, our practice has grown into a nationally recognized consultan- cy with over 220 professionals in ten offices. We focus on high-performance, pragmatic design, and to date have completed several hundred LEED certified projects and Net-Zero buildings. Our diverse market sector activity has allowed us to grow and we consistent- ly rank high in industry surveys. Today, we are at the forefront of an evolving industry, transforming the concept of what the built environment can be. Interface has a long history of implementing high performance design strategies that dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. We have extensive expertise in designing new and replacement all-electric central utility plants, as well as renewable energy microgrids, which are often key components in the effort to decarbonize building operations in concert with the implementation of electrification. Perhaps more crucially, we have experience in guiding organizations through these changes by providing unbiased analysis of the available options, including consideration of space requirements, first cost, energy costs, carbon emissions, and O&M costs. Our Offices 601 S Figueroa Street Suite 2750 Los Angeles, CA 90017 49 Stevenson Street Suite 660 San Francisco, CA 94105 1999 Harrison Street Suite 550 Oakland, CA 94612 1003 Bishop Street Suite 750 Honolulu, HI 96813 700 17th Street Suite 1820 Denver, CO 80202 100 SW Main Street Suite 1600 Portland, OR 97204 100 S Wacker Drive Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60606 13423 Blanco Road Suite 599 San Antonio, TX 78216 2000 M Street NW Suite 270 Washington, DC 20036 Interface NYC 17 State St. Suite 4000 New York, NY 10004 80+ 140+ 40+ Licensed PEs Designers + EITs Administrative + Support 10 Offices Licensed in 44 States OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA Oakland, CA Honolulu, HI Denver, CO Portland, OR Chicago, IL San Antonio, TX Washington, DC New York, NY TEAM LEADERSHIP Stuart Colby | NCARB, LEED AP Principal-in-Charge Integrator; Prime Consultant INTERACE ENGINEERING Electrical Engineering Steve Gross | PE Lead Energy & Sustainability Consultant Wesley Lau | PE, LEED AP Lead Electrical Engineer Eugene de Souza | PE, LEED AP Lead Mechanical Engineer Misti Nelmes | AIA, LEED AP Project Manager DESIGN TEAM Spencer West Urban Designer & Planner Lindsey Kahler | AIA, NCARB Junior Job Captain KPFF ENGINEERS Structural Engineering Erik Kabusreiter | PE, SE Lead Structural Engineer CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM2 Key Project Team Members EXPERIENCE SERA since 2005, other firms since 1985 EDUCATION B. Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute REGISTRATION Licensed Architect in California Stuart Colby NCARB, LEED AP Principal-in-Charge, SERA With over 40 years of experience, Stuart Colby has led many public projects across California and Oregon, collaborating closely with municipalities to achieve consensus under strict budget constraints. His work spans a wide range of building typologies and district-scale planning, with a focus on sustainable design and infrastructure modernization. Stuart’s leadership on projects like the Oregon Department of Transportation Headquarters and his extensive work with public agencies position him as a key partner in developing actionable, future-ready solutions. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Private Electric Vehicle Charging Facility (Sunnyvale, CA) Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building Modernization (Portland, OR) - LEED NC (2013) and LEED-EB (2016) Platinum-certified Oregon Department of Transportation Headquarters Renovation (Salem, OR) - LEED NC Platinum Washington County Public Services Building (Hillsboro, OR) Executive Briefing Center Tenant Improvement (Sunnyvale, CA) 1265 Borregas Mass Timber Office Building (Sunnyvale, CA) - LEED Platinum Willow Pass Recreation Center Renovation (Concord, CA) Java & Geneva Lab Renovations (Sunnyvale, CA) EXPERIENCE SERA since 2022, other firms since 2005 EDUCATION B. Architecture, University of Oregon REGISTRATION LEED Building Design and Construction Misti Nelmes AIA, LEED AP BD+C Project Manager, SERA With 18 years of architecture experience, Misti Nelmes specializes in sustainable design and adaptive reuse. As a former Senior Program Manager for the Energy Trust of Oregon, she oversaw strategic planning and delivery of cross-functional energy efficiency programs. Misti’s leadership extends to managing interdisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless coordination across technical, engineering, and subcontractor groups. As Project Manager, she will be the primary point of contact for all technical and schedule inquiries, translating project goals into actionable daily objectives. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Energy Action Plan (Livingston, MT) Future Ready Building Incentive Program Design Consultancy, Confidential Client, Oregon Confidential Client (Sunnyvale, CA) 1330 Geneva Electrification Renovation and Research Facility 1240 Crossman Research Facility Alterations Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Central Oregon CORE3 Master Plan & Design (Bend, OR) SERA Headquarters & Galleria Adaptive Reuse (Portland, OR) Department of Administrative Services, Sustainability Framework Plan (Salem, OR) *Projects prior to joining current firm Project Highlight Extensive Public Client Sector Work Stuart Colby and many members of our proposed team have extensive experience working with public agencies. This includes projects for the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Oregon Department of Transportation, where we delivered sustainably innovative solutions, including solar energy integration. In California, we have partnered with the cities of Hercules, Concord, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View, collaborating closely with city stakeholders to ensure alignment on project priorities while navigating strict budget constraints. Our approach emphasizes clear communication and effective coordination, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, delivering lasting value to the communities they serve. DAS PV Array Parking Concept CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM3 EXPERIENCE SERA since 2016, other firms since 2013 EDUCATION B. Urban Planning, University of Cincinnati COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Former Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University Spencer West Urban Designer & Planner, SERA Spencer West is a versatile designer with expertise in visualization, community branding, and site redevelopment. He excels at distilling complex data into clear, impactful graphics that drive consensus among diverse stakeholders. Recently, Spencer contributed to the Electric Vehicle Charging Facility in Sunnyvale, where he transformed technical data into compelling visual narratives to support client goals. His work ensures that project insights are accessible, engaging, and aligned with broader sustainability and urban planning objectives. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Private Electric Vehicle Charging Facility (Sunnyvale, CA) Indian Valley Infrastructure Planning (Plumas County, CA) Moffett Park Parking Playbook (Mountain View, CA) The Village at Lagoon Valley (Vacaville, CA) North Bayshore Framework & Master Planning (Mountain View, CA) Moffett Park District Master Plan (Sunnyvale, CA) North Bayshore Visitor Experience (Mountain View, CA) Moffett Park Public Realm & Green Link Study (Sunnyvale, CA) Charleston East Design Support (Mountain View, CA) Private Central Utility Plant Video Storytelling (Sunnyvale, CA) Moffett Park Green Link (Sunnyvale, CA) Moffett Park Local Executive Master Plan Architect (Sunnyvale, CA) EXPERIENCE SERA since 2019 EDUCATION M. Architecture, University of Oregon ACCREDITATION LEED Green Associate Lindsey Kahler AIA, NCARB, LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE Junior Job Captain, SERA Lindsey Kahler is a dedicated sustainability advocate with a focus on research-driven, climate-positive design. She has led SERA’s embodied carbon analysis efforts since 2020, guiding data- informed design decisions that minimize environmental impact. For this project, Lindsey will be directly responsible for production, helping to support the translation of complex technical requirements into precise design outputs. Her work emphasizes carbon reduction and innovative architectural solutions, supporting the project’s sustainability goals and long-term climate resilience. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Confidential Utility Company, Line Center and Fleet Electrification Readiness (Oregon City, OR) SERA Office 2022 - Performance & Certification Specialist (Portland, OR) Edith Green Wendell Wyatt Building Long-Term Carbon Analysis (Portland, OR) Department of Administrative Services (Salem, OR) Sustainability Framework Plan Executive Building North Valley Complex Googleplex B40 (Mountain View, CA) Oregon Military Department, Enlisted Barracks I, II, III, IV, and V (Hermiston, OR) Energy Trust of Oregon 2019 Net Zero Emerging Leader Intern* *Projects prior to joining current firm Project Highlight Indian Valley Infrastructure Planning Greenville, CA In the aftermath of the 2021 Dixie Fire, the Greenville and Indian Valley community embarked on a transformative journey to become a model of resilience and sustainability. SERA—with Spencer West as the urban planning lead—created a conceptual infrastructure master plan that envisions a future defined by robust infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Central to this vision is the integration of a microgrid system powered by solar, hydro, and wood by-product-based renewable energy sources, supported by advanced battery storage. Conceptual vision (created by Spencer West)CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM4 EXPERIENCE Interface since 2012 EDUCATION M. Mechanical Engineering, Portland State University REGISTRATION Registered Mechanical Engineer in California Steve Gross PE Lead Energy & Sustainability Consultant, Interface Steve is a leader of the High-Performance Building Team at Interface. His background is in Mechanical Engineering and Building Science, and his specialties include whole-building energy analysis, renewable energy system design, and sustainable mechanical design. Steve will be directly responsible for all data collection, data analysis, and reporting. He will work with a team of analysts to propose a range of design alternatives, compare their first costs against projected energy generation, and will be responsible for the final reports. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE San Diego County Archives / Zero Energy + LEED v4 Gold (Santee, CA) Riverside Main Library / LEED Gold Goal (Riverside, CA) Sandia (Livermore, CA) Net Zero Road Map Phase 1 Critical Load Microgrid Conceptual Study PV Design Microgrid Photovoltaic Third Party Review Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, CA) Hoover Campus Solar Study & Microgrid Study 875 BW & 900 BW Water Heater & Boiler Replacement LCCA/ Electrification Study San Francisco International Airport New All-Electric Central Plant (San Francisco, CA) EXPERIENCE Interface since 2017, other firms since 2010 EDUCATION B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley REGISTRATION Registered Electrical Engineer in California Wesley Lau PE, LEED AP Lead Electrical Engineer, Interface Wesley Lau has 16 years of professional experience in electrical engineering and project management. Wesley has worked on a wide variety of project type for both new and renovation construction projects. He also has previous experience working in the solar industry designing renewable energy systems. In addition to his engineering design experience, he has very strong team leadership and problem-solving skills. As the Lead Electrical Engineer on the project, Wesley is responsible for the day-to-day electrical engineering on the project. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Sandia (Livermore, CA) Net Zero Road Map Phase 1 PV Design Microgrid Photovoltaic Third Party Review San Francisco International Airport New All-Electric Central Plant (San Francisco, CA) California State University, East Bay (Hayward, CA) Microgrid Feasibility Study Microgrid Schematic Design Contra Costa Community College District Electrification Study (Contra Costa County, CA) University of California Santa Cruz Hagar Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (Santa Cruz, CA) EXPERIENCE Interface since 2016, other firms since 1995 EDUCATION Building Services Engineering, Willesden College of Technology, UK REGISTRATION Registered Mechanical Engineer in California Eugene de Souza PE, LEED AP Lead Mechanical Engineer, Interface Eugene brings 30+ years of integrated design leadership to his work at Interface Engineering. He has led numerous multidisciplinary teams on a variety project types, including commercial office developments, high rise buildings and mixed use. Eugene works closely with clients and is involved in all phases of the project’s design, from concept through construction to delivery. Eugene is responsible for the day-to- day mechanical engineering project. SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Riverside Main Library / LEED Gold Goal (Riverside, CA) San Diego County Archives / Net Zero Energy and LEED v4 Gold (San Diego, CA) Museum of Redlands / LEED Silver Goal (Redlands, CA) ABC Riverside Energy Upgrade (Burbank, CA) Caltrans District 7 Headquarters (Los Angeles, CA) Timken Museum of Art Expansion (San Diego, CA) J. Paul Getty Villa Museum Renovation (Malibu, CA) LACMA Broad Contemporary Art Museum (Los Angeles, CA) Los Angeles County Museum of Art MEP Peer Review / LEED Platinum Goal (Los Angeles, CA) US Federal Courthouse (San Diego, CA) San Jose City Hall and Civic Center / LEED EB Platinum (San Jose, CA)CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM5 EXPERIENCE SERA since 2004, other firms since 1998 EDUCATION MEng, Civil Engineering, Portland State University REGISTRATION Licensed Structural Engineer in California Erik Kabursreiter PE, SE Principal, KPFF Engineers Erik’s 20-year career in structural engineering has allowed him to design buildings both domestically and internationally using a range of material types and construction techniques. This familiarity has informed how he approaches his work, ensuring that his structures are grounded squarely in the communities where they are built. Erik enjoys the project type variety involved in his field and collaborating with a team to achieve a long-term common goal. His structural engineering philosophy is that anything is possible; he starts each of his projects with that outlook in mind and applies experience and creative problem solving to turn client visions into reality. KPFF has been providing structural engineering solutions since 1960. We have partnered with clients on projects of all types and sizes. From historic renovations to stadiums, from custom residences to high-rise towers, and from design-build to prime consulting we are inspired to apply our experience and creativity on every project. KPFF Consulting Engineers provides structural engineering, as well as surveying services, to a wide range of clients from fully-staffed offices in fifteen cities including Los Angeles and San Diego, California. KPFF Engineers Structural Engineering How We Will Work Together Integrated teamwork to deliver holistic and practical energy solutions. Achieving a successful Civic Center Sustainability Study for the City of Diamond Bar requires a balanced focus on both people and energy optimization. We believe that an engaged, multidisciplinary team drives the best outcomes, ensuring comprehensive analysis and innovative, actionable solutions. For this reason, we have assembled a team of experts uniquely qualified to address the City’s immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals. SERA Design and Architecture As the project’s lead firm, SERA will serve as the primary integrator, overseeing all project management, stakeholder engagement, budget alignment, and communication. We will ensure that the study not only captures technical precision but also translates complex engineering data into accessible, visually compelling narratives. Our experience as architects and master planners uniquely positions us to synthesize insights across disciplines, transforming data into practical, implementable recommendations. SERA’s commitment to effective collaboration and strategic planning will drive the project’s success, aligning the study’s outcomes with the City’s fiscal priorities and sustainability objectives. Interface Engineering As our dedicated electrical engineering partner, Interface Engineering will play a critical role in establishing the Civic Center’s current energy baselines and identifying opportunities for electrification, renewable integration, and efficiency upgrades. With deep expertise in high-performance building systems, Interface will provide comprehensive assessments of the facility’s electrical infrastructure, aligning technical analysis with capital planning to maximize long- term operational savings. In addition to recommending targeted infrastructure upgrades, Interface will contribute to strategic load forecasting, battery storage integration, and renewable energy system planning, ensuring that the City’s sustainability investments deliver measurable returns and operational resilience. KPFF Engineers To ensure the concept design is feasible and avoid surprises later in design we have included KPFF Engineers to provide critical structural oversight of proposed infrastructure upgrades and canopies. KPFF’s involvement as a trusted advisor will add an additional layer of risk management, reducing the likelihood of rework and supporting a seamless transition from study to implementation.CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM6 Deep Commitment to Sustainability Sustainability is our DNA. SERA has been a pioneer in sustainable design, championing innovative strategies that reduce environmental impact and promote resilience. Our commitment extends beyond individual projects to shaping broader industry standards. From LEED Platinum-certified buildings to net-zero energy facilities, we prioritize life cycle performance and carbon reduction. SERA’s portfolio includes projects like the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building, which set a new benchmark for energy efficiency in large-scale buildings. We integrate high-performance systems and data-driven design to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and enhance occupant health, making sustainability not just a goal but a core value. Incentive-Driven Design Maximizing Value, Driving Sustainability. SERA’s expertise extends beyond traditional design. For projects like the Galleria building, we strategically targeted multiple sustainability certifications and maximized financial incentives, aligning our designs with aggressive efficiency goals. We actively engage with utility providers, local governments, and agencies to secure funding for our clients, reducing upfront costs and accelerating project timelines. From navigating complex rebate structures to shaping the next generation of green building incentives, our teams have helped clients unlock millions in funding, ensuring our projects are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Resilient Solutions for Public Clients Strengthening Infrastructure and Communities. We’ve collaborated with agencies like Mariposa County, CA, the City of Seattle, WA, Washington County, OR, and Portland General Electric (PGE) to enhance critical infrastructure and reinforce resilience. One recent example is the Mariposa County Community Resilience Hub, a community-driven facility recently approved by the County. This project integrates critical systems, including a solar photovoltaic (PV) array designed to provide uninterrupted power during emergencies, reinforcing operational continuity and community safety. This approach reflects SERA’s commitment to designing adaptable, resilient spaces that support communities in the face of a changing climate. What Sets Our Team Apart CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA1 | PROJECT TEAM7 Firm’s Experience & References SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORY Net Zero Roadmap and Critical Loads Microgrid Design Livermore, CA For the first phase of the project, Interface Engineering provided a conceptual framework and deployment timeline to support Sandia National Laboratories efforts to improve the sustainability and resiliency of their campus in Livermore. The roadmap outlines requirements, identifies design solutions, and provides an implementation plan for the California site. The goal of the roadmap demonstrates a cost-effective means to achieve Net Zero Green House Gas emissions and Net Zero energy consumption by 2045. The roadmap also addresses improving operational resilience with a renewable energy microgrid, as well as opportunities for showcasing technology developed through Sandia’s own research. Interface provided a conceptual design for Sandia National Laboratories to develop a microgrid with the primary goal of resiliency. As a campus that conducts sensitive national research, Sandia wanted to extend the backup power to their existing critical loads to have 720 hours of backup power. The existing critical loads were served by standby diesel generators with a fraction of the fuel storage required. Additional fuel storage was expensive, served no additional economic benefit, and was against the campus’s long terms goals of carbon reduction. Interface designed a renewable energy microgrid composed of 11 MW of PV, 30 MWH of batteries, and 2 MW of existing diesel generators that provided renewable and sustainable backup power to the campus’s critical loads. The project required modeling expected load profiles for the critical loads based on limited available historical meter data. In addition to modeling the loads, Interface used HOMER to model thousands of combinations of PV, battery, and generator capacities to arrive at options that optimized for various metrics, including lowest first cost, highest renewable fraction, highest long-term payback, etc. The project also required analysis and development of multiple options to tie in the renewable assets into the existing electrical infrastructure. These options included local building microgrids that tied into each individual building downstream of the building’s electrical service, parallel distribution microgrids that tied into multiple buildings downstream of the building’s electrical service, and fully interconnected microgrids that tied into the campus’s medium voltage system directly to serve the entire campus. Interface also worked with a cost estimator to provide costs for multiple options and went through a target value design exercise to develop an option to meet Sandia’s budget. Roadmap to Net Zero Site Plan Potential Emissions Timeline Client: Sandia National Laboratories Services: Electrical Engineering Services Principal’s Name: Steve Gross CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA2 | FIRM EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES8 SAN DIEGO COUNTY ARCHIVES East County Office & Archives Santee, CA The San Diego County ARCC archive is a one-story building with an on-site PV system, LEED v4 gold certified, and the first archive facility to receive Net Zero Energy certification in the United States. The San Diego County Assessor building houses the work of a recorder, county clerk and archive facility. The building’s HVAC systems are specifically engineered to meet tight design requirements without being oversized or overusing energy that could otherwise be saved. The HVAC system is 100% redundant for archive spaces. Occupying the southeast corner of the parcel, the building is compact and efficient, ceding a large portion of the site to recreational and public use. Interface Engineering worked closely with the County to provide Mechanical Engineering and Energy Consulting for the project, ensuring the project met its sustainability goals. The project has been certified net zero energy by using a 140KW PV system (roof mounted and parking canopy) to generate 10% more energy than it consumes on an annual basis. The project also incorporates Level 2 EV charging under the PV Canopy. Interface conducted iterative energy simulations throughout the design process, creating a highly accurate prediction of all energy consuming systems within the project. The facility’s NZE status is a significant achievement, especially for an archive with high energy demands for temperature and humidity control. Its success is attributed to careful design, efficient systems, and on-site renewable energy generation. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the ARCC facility acts as a backdrop to outdoor functions to the north and a sweeping roof welcomes its visitors to the entry plaza just off Mission Gorge Road. The archive and all of its associated program components are located in the northeast corner of the building, bound by the public reading room on the west, and shaded by the primary building roof from the south. Conceptualized as a vault, the archives are enclosed within highly insulated and tightly constructed concrete walls. Its slab on grade will have a continuous vapor barrier, and the walls will have a low permeability paint layer. The archive is positioned to minimize environmental impacts to its critical interior climate, making sure its contents are protected for years to come. Client: San Diego County Services: Mechanical Engineering Services Principal’s Name: Steve Gross CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA2 | FIRM EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES9 CITY OF ATHERTON Atherton Civic Center Atherton, CA Interface Engineering provided Mechanical engineering, energy and sustainability consulting, and commissioning for the Atherton Civic Center, an all-electric complex including City Administrative Buildings, a police ancillary area, and a library. Completed in 2022, the project achieved LEED Platinum certification and pursued Living Building Challenge goals, earning the 2022 AIA California Climate Action Award and 2023 AIA/ALA Library Building Award for its sustainable design. Interface conducted advanced energy modeling to optimize the all-electric design, integrating a photovoltaic (PV) system and solar thermal system for domestic hot water, enabling net-positive energy potential. Interface supported electrical system planning for sustainable technologies, including two Level 2 EV chargers at the Town Center, capable of charging four vehicles simultaneously, and two additional Level 2 ports at the Atherton Library, enhancing access to public charging. Our analysis ensured the project was able to achieve LEED Platinum and Living Building certifications. Our holistic approach to sustainable design included: Solar thermal for domestic hot water, photovoltaics, geo-exchange system, radiant slabs and ceilings, displacement air distribution, lighting and daylighting controls, demand-based ventilation controls and low-flow fixtures. Client: City of Atherton Services: Mechanical Engineering Services; Energy Services; Fire Protection; Commissioning Principal’s Name: Steve Gross CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA2 | FIRM EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES10 References Net Zero Roadmap and Critical Loads Microgrid Design Livermore, CA Howard J. Royer Department Manager CA Net Zero Sandia National Laboratories (925) 294-2635 East County Office & Archives Santee, CA Tina Angeles Miller Hull Partnership (619) 220-0984 Atherton Civic Center Atherton, CA Marty Hanneman Public Works Department City of Atherton (650) 752-0532 Private Sector Related Project Electric Vehicle Charging Facility Sunnyvale, CA As part of a SERA client’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and decarbonization, a vacant site in Sunnyvale, CA will be transformed into a state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) charging facility. This project, led by Stuart Colby and Spencer West, will convert the site into a dedicated charging hub for the client’s electric shuttle fleet, supporting their broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The facility will feature a large solar photovoltaic (PV) canopy that will generate clean, renewable energy for the fleet, reducing reliance on grid power and aligning with the client’s ambitious carbon-free energy goals. To further enhance resilience and efficiency, the site will include on-site battery storage, enabling energy capture and distribution during peak demand periods. This project not only supports one of the largest developers on the West Coast in achieving their sustainability goals but also demonstrates innovative approaches to electrified transportation and site resilience.CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA2 | FIRM EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES11 Project Understanding Project Understanding We understand the inherent challenges and opportunities that come along with fleet electrification and incorporating renewables and energy storage within existing sites. We have identified some early concepts based on initial investigation of the site, and we’re eager to get started. However, we want to work with you to find the right solution that meets immediate and long term needs. To do this, we will approach finding the right solutions by asking questions and making sure project goals are clearly defined. The team we’ve built has experience meeting the requirements of Executive Order N-79-20 and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation and working with clients to achieve future goals for growth and advancing sustainability. We also have an extensive history working with public and private clients, so we understand how to engage multiple stakeholders to reach consensus on decision making when there are often varying viewpoints using a “choosing by advantages” framework. In this way, solutions take into account the multiple drivers that public clients are required to navigate from the aspirational, like maximizing generation and planning for growth, and functional drivers like long term maintenance and impacts of shading. How We Get Started We will organize our work into three distinct phases: Discovery, Analysis, and Synthesis. Within these phases, we will tackle individual tasks where they can inform the recommendations most effectively. Working with your internal stakeholders, we will develop a shared set of desired outcomes, document today’s starting point, and investigate multiple pathways for improvement over time. By developing minimum, moderate, and aggressive (Good/ Better/Best) scenarios we can communicate key decision points the City will use to refine and adjust its path toward its long-term goals. At the start of the project, SERA will lead a collective pull-planning workshop, collaborating with the City’s team and our partners to develop a week-by-week schedule, strategizing an integrated approach for incremental progress. We will create a predictable cadence of meetings, workshops, and decision points, adjusting as needed if circumstances change.Preliminary Helioscope analysis of one parking lot section shows it can support a 190 kW PV canopy, producing ~290 MWh annually (~18 kBtu/sf-yr renewable EUI), covering 25-35% of the building’s energy use.CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA3 | PROJECT UNDERSTANDING12 Project Approach Discovery: Align on Strategy, Collect, Sort, & Distill Confirm Facility’s Current Baseline Performance, Articulate Facility’s Desired Performance Targets. SERA and Interface will begin by meeting with the City’s project representatives to map out how the facility is currently performing, where there are known gaps, and the City’s long term aspirations for the property. Collect Existing Technical Information (Meter and Building Management System Data, As-Built Plans). We will evaluate the energy-using systems— lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), building envelope, water heating, electric vehicle charging, and other uses— to develop an energy demand profile that spans a calendar year. This will require review of any trends available in the building management system (BMS) and controls and past utility bill data as well. Meet With Key City Employees to Identify Patterns and Fill Additional Data Gaps. Often, data collection alone does not paint the full picture. SERA and Interface will likely seek to meet with facility management personnel to understand how the building has been operating; how the temporary generator has been used over time; as well as any known issues or challenges they might identify with increased on-site energy generation, storage, and vehicle charging. Forecast of Future Electrical Demand. this includes electrification of City Fleet, additional on-site charging for public use, and additional potential demand due to expansion or other amenities. The following tasks will completed during the Discovery Phase: Task 1 – Electrical Infrastructure Evaluation, Task 2 – Forecast of Future Electrical Demand Analysis: Investigate Possibilities, Test & Plan for the Future Summarize Findings of Existing Conditions and Identify Upgrade Options. After baseline understanding is complete, we will produce a Draft Sustainability Study with this basic structure: Existing Conditions, Forecast of Future Electrical Demand, and Opportunities and Constraints. Develop an Integrated Site Plan: site plan overlaid with pertinent infrastructure information, electrical service capacity, electrical system conditions, identified safety or code compliance deficiencies, estimated current electrical demand profiles broken down by use type (interior lighting, exterior lighting, HVAC, water heating, and plug loads). Uncovering Opportunities and Constraints: will utilize software including Helioscope, HOMER, and IES-VE energy modeling tools, our team will identify viable Good/Better/Best targets for energy reductions, on-site energy generation, and battery storage, with the potential for load shifting to reduce peak demands, and other co-benefits as it relates to broader sustainability and resilience (for example: solar canopy coverage can reduce urban heat island and used as a structure for providing temporary shelter during disaster events), known challenges and constraints (such as easements, underground utilities, tree shading, parking loss, accessibility, power capacity limitations, etc.) This draft report will form the basis for the final Sustainability Study report included as part of the Concept Plan Deliverables. With buy-in from the City, this will set the stage for actual concept design activities. The following tasks will completed during the Analysis Phase: Task 3 – EV Charging Infrastructure Planning, Task 4 – Sustainability Enhancements, Task 5 – Infrastructure Recommendations Synthesis: Narrowing the Solutions and Path Forward We’ll kick off this last phase by presenting design scenarios and optional services to the City to generate buy-in and edit final recommendations. This is also an opportunity to discuss prioritization and potential implementation over time. The outcomes of this collaboration will inform the final Conceptual Design Package. The Design Team will leverage Good/ Better/Best targets for on-site generation and storage to test site scenarios. For each scenario, the team will evaluate its impact across a range of key drivers (i.e. cost, complexity, etc.) to support a final decision. Incentive Mapping (Optional Task A). SERA & Interface can coordinate with Southern California Edison (SCE) and other applicable incentive and grant programs to identify funding opportunities, rebate programs, and technical assistance resources, leveraging previous experience. Financial Planning & Phasing Strategy (Optional Task B). Utilizing the site planning scenarios and other potential sustainability synergies, SERA and Interface can work with a cost consultant and/or general contractor to assign Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs for each scenario and strategy, if desired. Microgrid Design & Analysis (Optional Task C). This optional task will include conceptual analysis and sketches to demonstrate what it would take to achieve a full microgrid on-site, allowing the facility to continue operations during extended power outages (such as during Public Safety Power Shutoffs). The following tasks will completed during the Synthesis Phase: Task 5 – Conceptual Plan which includes the Sustainability Study summarizing all findings, analyses, and recommendations, including a Conceptual Site Plan and supporting diagrams. Additionally, the City can approve optional tasks at this time for completion in this phase.CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA3 | PROJECT UNDERSTANDING13 LEGEND Key Meeting Milestone Schedule Schedule & Deliverables Based on our current understanding of the project and the City’s priorities, we propose the following schedule to complete all required tasks for the Diamond Bar Civic Center Sustainability Study. This schedule includes key milestones for City review and approval, ensuring the final study is delivered within 2025, allowing it to be programmed into the City’s FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program as a design project.CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA4 | SCHEDULE14 Fee Proposal Rate SERA Design and Architecture Stuart Colby – Principal (X) $289/hr Misti Nelmes – Project Manager (VII) $236/hr Spencer West – Urban Planner (VII) $236/hr Lindsey Kahler – Jr. Job Captain (III) $158/hr Interface Engineering Steve Gross – Principal $325/hr Wesley Lau – Principal $325/hr Eugene de Souza – Principal $325/hr KPFF Engineers Erik Kabursreiter – Principal $295/hr Title/Level Fee Proposal Statement As required, we have included a separate, comprehensive fee proposal detailing our approach to completing the scope of services for the Diamond Bar Civic Center Sustainability Study. This submission includes a detailed breakdown of proposed staff, their respective roles, and the estimated hours for each task. Additionally, all anticipated reimbursable expenses have been outlined to provide a clear understanding of the total project cost. Per the RFP and Q&A instructions, this fee proposal has been uploaded separately via PlanetBids (with optional tasks fees excluded), clearly labeled with our firm’s name, address, and contact information for efficient identification and review. We anticipate all work to be completed in 2025 and have provided the hourly rates of all personnel assigned to the contract below for the City to utilize in future negotiations of additional design work at the City’s request. Assumptions • Historical utility bills and As-built documentation will be provided by the City • Access to Meter and Building Management System Data will be provide and coordinated by the City, if requested. • The City will provide requested information and/or decisions within two weeks of request • Site Plan and supporting diagrams produced will be conceptual in nature. Construction Documents are excluded. • Reimbursables: SERA does not bill for travel costs during design and documentation phases. Consultant travel costs will be billed, without markup. • Meetings and Site Visits: This proposal assumes one (1) site visit to evaluate existing conditions and three (3) attendees. All other meetings are assumed to be virtual. Hourly Rates of Key Personnel CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA5 | FEE PROPOSAL15 Agreement Agreement Review Project Highlight Energy Action Plan Livingston, MT Livingston’s Energy Action Plan (EAP) sets a bold path toward sustainability, aiming to reduce municipal emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This plan was developed through extensive community engagement, integrating feedback from workshops and a comprehensive analysis of the City’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. Key focus areas include energy efficiency in municipal buildings, water and wastewater systems, vehicle fleet electrification, and urban forestry. The EAP also emphasizes carbon sequestration through tree canopy expansion and wetland restoration, reflecting Livingston’s commitment to both climate resilience and community well-being. This foundational phase sets the stage for a cleaner, more resilient future for Livingston. MEMORANDUM May 14, 2025 Re: Diamond Bar Civic Center Sustainability Study | Contract Memorandum SERA has reviewed the Consulting Services Agreement, and we acknowledge and agree that this template will serve as the Agreement utilized on the Project. If awarded the Project, SERA would like to discuss modifications to one provision. Specifically, SERA requests the opportunity to create continuity between the contractual provisions and SERA’s insurance programs. All proposed modifications are tracked below. 1. SECTION(S): 20. Liquidated Damages: i Comment: SERA proposes deleting this provision as it is uninsurable. Specifically, all design professional liability insurers exclude coverage for penalties and fines as well as for liability assumed by contract that is not the result of your negligence. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR – CIVIC CENTER SUSTAINABILITY STUDY | SERA6 | AGREEMENT16 SERADESIGN.COM Thank you! Community Resilience Hub (Mariposa County, CA)